Seniors! CELEBRATING OUR
Pages 8 - 9 of the Second Section!
DAIRY ST R
May 22, 2021
“All dairy, all the time”™
Volume 23, No. 7
Going green Stapels immerse in world of cover crops, no till, interseeding By Stacey Smart
stacey.s@dairystar.com
CEDAR GROVE, Wis. – Brody and Jory Stapel made a bold move this spring when they sold their tillage equipment. After no tilling 1,000 acres last year, the brothers were ready to leave tillage be-
hind and commit to a new way of farming the land. For the past ve years, the Stapels have dabbled in cropping techniques. Through the use of cover crops, interseeding and no till, they braved new
STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
Brody Stapel, and his brother, Jory (not pictured), own and operate a 260-cow farm, Double Dutch Dairy, near Cedar Grove, Wisconsin. The Stapels sold their Ɵllage equipment this spring and invested in no-Ɵll planters for their 1,000 acres.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Early-season liquid nitrogen is applied March 15 on frozen ground to feed the rye crop to boost forage yield and quality.
terrain and came out on the other side with greener land, better cow health, higher components and greater prots. “The goal is to have the ground covered year-round,” Brody Stapel said. “We always want to have something alive in the soil.” The Stapels abandoned
tilling in favor of greener elds and healthier soil. They removed the temptation to till and invested in no-till planters, including a new corn planter as well as an interseeder. “The ground is softer, and there’s more soil structure when planting into green,” Stapel said. “Green elds also
put carbon back into the soil. I cringe when I see dust clouds in spring and fall from people working up the elds. We’re disrupting the biology and microorganisms in the soil when we dig it up. Topsoil leaves the eld when you plow. Instead, Turn to STAPEL | Page 6
A place of her own
First-generation farmer nds permanent home for cows By Stacey Smart
stacey.s@dairystar.com
STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
First-generaƟon dairy farmer Olivia Hennes milks 45 cows near Seymour, Wisconsin. The 25-year-old has been building her herd since she was 10 years old, and purchased the farm April 22.
SEYMOUR, Wis. – For over a month, Olivia Hennes has called a farm near Seymour her new home. The 25-year-old moved her cows April 16 and closed on the farm April 22. The following week, Hennes moved to the property as well. “Everything went as seamless as it possibly could,” said Hennes, who is settling into her new facilities. Hennes milks 45 cows in the farm’s 62-stall tiestall barn which she hopes to ll in the next year. The barn includes four maternity pens and a stationary mixer upstairs. Hennes started feeding Turn to HENNES | Page 5
Page 2 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021
DAIRY ST R www.dairystar.com
ISSN 020355 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave. Sauk Centre, MN 56378 Phone: (320) 352-6303 Fax: (320) 352-5647 Published by Dairy Star LLC General Manager/Editor Mark Klaphake - mark.k@dairystar.com 320-352-6303 (ofce) 320-248-3196 (cell) 320-352-0062 (home) Ad Composition Nancy Powell 320-352-6303 nancy.p@dairystar.com Consultant Jerry Jennissen 320-346-2292 Editorial Staff Krista Kuzma - Editor/Wisconsin (507) 259-8159 • krista.k@dairystar.com Andrea Borgerding - Associate Editor (320) 352-6303 • andrea.b@dairystar.com Jennifer Coyne - Assistant Editor (320) 352-6303 • jenn@dairystar.com Danielle Nauman (608) 487-1101 danielle.n@dairystar.com Stacey Smart - Staff Writer (262) 442-6666 • stacey.s@dairystar.com Maria Bichler - Copy Editor 320-352-6303 Advertising Sales Main Ofce: 320-352-6303 Fax: 320-352-5647 Deadline is 5 p.m. of the Friday the week before publication Sales Manager - Joyce Frericks 320-352-6303 • joyce@dairystar.com Bob Leukam (Northern MN, East Central MN) 320-260-1248 (cell) bob.l@star-pub.com Mark Klaphake (Western MN) 320-352-6303 (ofce) 320-248-3196 (cell) Laura Seljan (National Advertising, SE MN) 507-250-2217 fax: 507-634-4413 laura.s@dairystar.com Jerry Nelson (SW MN, NW Iowa, South Dakota) 605-690-6260 jerry.n@dairystar.com Mike Schafer (Central, South Central MN) 320-894-7825 mike.s@dairystar.com Amanda Hoeer (Eastern Iowa) 320-250-2884 • amanda.h@dairystar.com Julie Barnes (SE WI and Northern IL) julie.b@dairystar.com Megan Stuessel (Western Wisconsin) 608-387-1202 • megan.s@dairystar.com Kati Kindschuh (Northeast WI and Upper MI) 920-979-5284 • kati.k@dairystar.com Deadlines The deadline for news and advertising in the Dairy Star is 5 p.m. Friday the week before publication. Subscriptions One year subscription $35.00, outside the U.S. $110.00. Send check along with mailing address to Dairy Star, 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave., Sauk Centre, MN 56378. Advertising Our ad takers have no authority to bind this newspaper and only publication of an advertisement shall constitute nal acceptance of the advertiser's order. Letters Letters and articles of opinion are welcomed. Letters must be signed and include address and phone number. We reserve the right to edit lengthy letters. The views and opinions expressed by Dairy Star columnists and writers are not necessarily those of the Dairy Star LLC.
The Dairy Star is published semi-monthly by Dairy Star, LLC, 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave., Sauk Centre, MN 56378-1246. Periodicals Postage Paid at Sauk Centre, MN and additional mailing ofces. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Dairy Star, 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave., Sauk Centre, MN 56378-1246.
A glance at what’s inside
June Dairy Month is quickly approaching
The importance of dairy in the Upper Midwest is undeniable, and as we head into the summer months, the dairy industry’s coveted celebration is almost here. To honor June Dairy Month, dairy farmers and industry partners are preparing to host events that highlight the industry in their communities. In the rst section of this issue, we featured a few of many options for June Dairy Month celebrations in Dairy Star’s coverage area, many of which are on-farm breakfasts and farm tours. Due to the ongoing pandemic, some events are drive-thru only while others are presale meals to pick up at your convenience. There are also lunches, quick ice cream treats and fun children’s activities available to expose people to life on the farm and the variety of dairy foods produced by area farmers. All of these events are open to the public; some are free while others come at a low cost with proceeds going to a local cause. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE COURIERͳWEDGE Many events were cancelled last year, so the KaƟe Holden (leŌ) and Kyle Danzinger deliver breakfast excitement to celebrate June Dairy Month with our meal bags to cars during the Pepin County Drive-Thru Dairy Breakfast June 20, 2020, in Durand, Wisconsin. communities is greater than ever. If you know of an upcoming June Dairy Month event that you would like to see potentially published in the next issue of Dairy Star, please let us know. Submissions can be emailed to Jenn, jenn@dairystar.com. We look forward to celebrating June Dairy Month with you!
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Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • Page 3
It’s all inside... Columnists
Third Section: Page 11
First Section: Page 36
Pierce
First Section: Pages 10 - 11
Pepin
Dane
Page 33 First Section
Girl Scouts earn badges at Haag Family Dairy
Calf Chronicles
First Section: Pages 23, 25
La Crosse
Vernon
e nn Wi
Green Lake Fond Du Lac
Columbia Dodge
Sauk
Third Section: Pages 3 - 4
Zone 2
First Section: Pages 15 - 16
Whiteside
Rock Island Mercer
Hen ders
on
For additional stories from our other zone, log on to www.dairystar.com
go
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n Win
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Walworth
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re War
First-generation farmer nds permanent home for cows First Section: Pages 1, 5-6
Ogle Lee
Racine Kenosha
McHenry
DeKalb
FROM OUR SIDE OF THE FENCE:
What was one of the best ways college prepared you for your dairy career?
son
hen
p Ste
Carroll
Rock
on
Jo Daviess
Wiegels build new robotic freestall to allow for upgrade
Seymour
Jefferson Waukesha
Bo
Lafayette Green
South Wayne
Zone 1
Dane
Iowa
Grant
Pages 10 - 11 Second Section
e mi Brown
go ba Calumet
Waushara
aw Cr
The “Mielke” Market Weekly
Oconto
Ou
for
Richland
te
a tag
Adams Juneau
et
Shawano
Wood
Monroe
d
Page 38 First Section
Menominee
Portage Waupaca Jackson
in
Langlade
Marathon
Clark
Eau Claire
ar
Do or
Chippewa
Buffalo
Dairy Good Life
Taylor
Forest
Menominee
Ke w
Mayers celebrate years of excellence in face of dispersal
Dunn
Lincoln
M
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ton S he bo Milwaukee Ozauk M yg ee an anito wo c
Bloomer
Rusk
Barron
ren
Oneida
Wa sh
St. Croix
Price
Delta
Dickinson
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ett e
Page 31 First Section
Iron
Flo
Sawyer
Trempealeau
Polk
First Section: Pages 18, 20, 22
ing
ur
n
Ashland
hb
Burnett
Muenster progresses into full-time farmer
aun ee
Kids Corner: The Kayharts
Third Section: Pages 12 - 13
Seymour
Women in Jeans: Kelly Maly
Bayeld
Douglas
Something to Ruminate On
Page 32 First Section
First Section: Page 39
Granton
Page 30 First Section
Just Thinking Out Loud
Bryant
Dairy’s Working Youth: Jacob Knigge
Wa s
Ramblings from the Ridge
Omro
qu
Farmer and Columnist Page 27 First Section
Ogema
Dairy Prole: Levi Ulrich
Pages 8-9 First Section
Ma r
Ag Insider
Oostburg Kane
Claerbaut pushes ahead with plans for larger herd, different diet, cash cropping Second Section: Pages 6 - 7
Cedar Grove
Stapels immerse in world of cover crops, no till, interseeding
First Section: Pages 1, 6-7
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Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • Page 5
ConƟnued from HENNES | Page 1
Customized pellets to fit your robotic dairy! STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
Olivia Hennes pets her oldest cow, 10-year-old Dash, May 6 on her farm near Seymour, Wisconsin. a total mixed ration the day the cows moved in, and as a result, milk production went up 17 pounds per cow per day. She also has the option to send TMR to the outdoor bunk. A heifer barn with various-sized free stalls and individual calf stalls is attached to the tiestall barn along with a commodity shed where Hennes stores sawdust. A loang barn and freestall shed are connected to the main barn as well. In addition, the farm includes a heated shop and a large shed, but Hennes’ only equipment is a skidloader and two blowers. “This is way more than I ever thought I would end up with,” she said. Hennes is a rst-generation farmer like her predecessors, Merlin and Peggy Rohm, whom she purchased the farm from. It was the Rohms’ intention to help a rst-generation farmer get their start. They received help once, too, and wanted to pay it forward. They timed the sale of their cows with the sale of the farm, and the barn only sat empty for a month. The daughter of an A.I. technician, Hennes’ love for farming sprouted at a young age as she tagged along to farms with her father. The farmers loved to see her and let Hennes feed calves and help with other chores. When one farmer asked Hennes if she wanted to show a calf at the fair, she jumped on the opportunity and joined 4-H in the third grade. Animals were the perfect companion for a shy, timid kid like Hennes. “I liked animals,” she said. “That was my thing.” Looking for a way to nance their daughter’s college education, Hennes’ parents, Dave and Jeanne, decided to choose cattle over stock market investments. Her dad asked one of his clients, Marvin Karweick, if he could put embryos in a few of his heifers with the goal of getting a bull into stud. As their business partner, Karweick would share the prots with Hennes and her father. “We put three embryos in and they all settled,” Hennes said. “We got two heifers – Basil and Juletta, and a bull named Flawless. All the stars aligned, and he went to stud right out of the gate.” Their early taste of success led the trio to implant more embryos, and a total of four bulls made it to stud. Hennes and Karweick split ownership on the original animals, and Ovina Holsteins was created. Combining Olivia’s and Marvin’s names formed the prex Hennes continues to use today. “I did embryos and ushing for a lot of years and started buying show cattle here and there,” Hennes said. “Marvin let me house my animals at his place.”
However, when Karweick was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, Hennes had to nd a new home for her cattle. She had about eight head when a farmer named Bruce Martin approached Hennes about buying Karweick’s half of the cattle and offered to house them on his farm. “Like Marvin, this is another example of people being more kind than they have to,” Hennes said. The plan was for Hennes to sell her cattle before she started college. Instead, she continued growing her herd. While in high school, she received a $1,000 grant from the Seymour FFA Alumni to put toward an embryo ush, which resulted in many heifers. Hennes began working for Bob Schlimm in 2012 when she was in high school. Schlimm became a valuable mentor to Hennes who continued working for the dairy farmer throughout college. “Bob taught me a lot,” Hennes said. “He showed me how to operate machinery, drive a skidloader.” Following her graduation from college in 2017, Hennes started milking her herd of 12 cows at Schlimm’s farm. Schlimm was retiring and helped Hennes get on her feet. Thanks to the project she and her parents started years prior, Hennes came out of school with little debt. Hennes built her herd over a 15-year timespan and now has about 100 head of livestock. “I buy cows as I can afford them from small, closed herds,” Hennes said. “I look for nice, vaccinated cows. That’s my buying strategy if the price is right. The cows are my babies, and they all have names.” Hennes’ herd is semi-seasonal with the majority of animals calving in spring and summer. The number of cows milking ebbs and ows but never falls under 30. However, Hennes said that will change now with the bigger barn, and she will probably never have less than about 45 cows milking. “I’m hooked on this system,” she said. “It works for me. For a couple months, life is really easy. It was a little overwhelming the rst week in May when six calves were born. I have 15 animals due this month, but that’s the worst of it. The rest will freshen between June and September.” Many of Hennes’ heifers are bred with sexed semen. Hennes also breeds quite a bit of beef, and calves born in winter are often Limousin crosses. “It doesn’t make nancial sense to raise more heifers than I need,” Hennes said. “I try to limit the amount of heifers I have; I would rather buy a cow.” Hennes’ dad breeds and pregnancy Turn to HENNES | Page 6
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ConƟnued from HENNES | Page 5
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Cows stand on a dirt lot at Olivia Hennes’ dairy farm near Seymour, Wisconsin. Hennes moved her cows to their new home April 16. checks her animals. “I’m nding ways to save money,” Hennes said. “It’s not easy. Everything is expensive.” Hennes ships her milk to Red Barn, a small plant that only takes milk from small herds with outdoor and pasture access. “Red Barn has high standards, and you’re held accountable,” Hennes said. “I have to undergo a Humane Society inspection, which is more intense than a regular farm inspection. But I do get paid more for my milk, which helps with cash ow.” Hennes owns seven acres and purchases her feed. She is also working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to turn 22 acres into pasture. Hennes plans to raise heifers on pasture during warm months and rotationally graze. “I’d like to increase acreage someday,” she said. “My goal is to provide 20% of my cows’ diet from grass and 80% from TMR, which would give me the health benets of pasture without losing production.”
From Karweick to Schlimm to Martin, Hennes has a long list of mentors, including people she met through 4-H and FFA. “Without them, things wouldn’t have worked out for me like they did,” Hennes said. “When it comes to caring for cattle, Sue Christensen and Debra Kiersch were also really good mentors to me. I think it’s important to keep younger people involved in agriculture, including those who don’t grow up on farms. Share what you’re good at with people who want to learn, and if people share with you, be thankful and don’t take it for granted.” A month into farm ownership, Hennes is putting down roots where she can prosper and continue living her dream. Benetting from the kindness of others, Hennes has a deep appreciation for the help she received on her journey. “I started at ground zero,” Hennes said. “I didn’t know anything, but I picked up a lot of stuff along the way. People being kind really helped, and I’m grateful for that.”
ConƟnued from STAPEL | Page 1
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Corn is planted into a 5-year-old alfalfa and grass crop May 12. PlanƟng into an already established crop is one of the techniques the Stapels have adopted in recent years. we’re trying to build that most productive layer of dirt here. We want to keep it intact.” The Stapels have gone beyond growing traditional crops like corn and alfalfa and are experimenting with forage types that are proving benecial for the cows and the land. “Corn silage and alfalfa are not the answer for us anymore,” Stapel said. “A monoculture system is not working. We want soil diversity. We’re trying to get as many different forages in the ration as possible. If we can grow
more feed on the farm, it reduces our purchase feed costs and improves herd health. Those are our two goals.” Milking 260 cows and farming 1,000 acres near Cedar Grove, the Stapels started Double Dutch Dairy in 2012. They chose the name for two reasons: They live in the town of Holland, and their grandparents immigrated from Holland in 1950. The brothers also rent the farm where they grew up in Howards Grove from their father, Rudy. The Turn to STAPEL | Page 7
Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • Page 7
ConƟnued from STAPEL | Page 6 Stapels raise 75 beef cattle for private sale, and the home farm now serves as the family’s beef operation. The Stapels also do custom planting, harvesting and baling and raise cash crops. “My dad is retired, but he still helps us a lot,” said Stapel, who is also president of Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative. “This is a team effort, and we have a really good team here.” Stapel and his wife, Carolyn, have ve kids – Clayton, 11, Gavin, 9, Mallory, 8, Megan, 6, and Tierza, 17 months. The desire to raise his family on a farm was a key motivation for buying the dairy. The Stapels are down to growing 50 acres of alfalfa this year after replacing most of their alfalfa crop last year with a cocktail mix that includes BMR sorghum sudan, Italian rye grass, clover mix and vetch. The mix is planted around June 1 after the rye or triticale crop is harvested and provides three cuts – one on July 15, another the third week in August and the last at the end of September. “It’s both a cover crop and a forage and works well in our corn rotation,” Stapel said. “Instead of tying up land for three or four years with alfalfa and then growing corn for three or four years, we ip op crops every other year. Crop rotation is a big thing for us as we’ve focused on soil health the last few years.” Stapel said the beauty of the cocktail mix is its tolerance to manure between cuttings. “We do more applications of manure with fewer gallons so the soil can handle the nutrient load,” he said. “We only put manure on ground that has something living on it, especially in the fall. Rye is 6 inches when we apply manure. Cover crops take up and hold the
PHOTO SUBMITTED
The Stapels plant corn May 17 into a cover crop mix of turnips, radish, cereal rye and clovers that was planted aŌer wheat in July 2020. nutrients, preventing manure runoff and leaching.” The Stapels are trying many ideas to see what works best. “We have a lot of experiments going on,” Stapel said. “We’re doing a one-cut sorghum that’s 10 to 12 feet tall, which provides corn silage without the starch. We’re also doing a 10-way mix that we grow alongside our corn silage crop. It’s like growing soup in the eld. We throw everything in the mix, and it helps with the diversity of our ration.” By planting 10 seeds, Stapel said they have a better chance that something will grow. Acting as a perennial
cover crop, the mix is always alive, and they can continue growing crops into it. The mix includes three clovers, vetch and buckwheat, and is planted between corn rows with an interseeder. “As we continue feeding more diverse feeds, our herd health is more spectacular than ever,” Stapel said. “For a Holstein herd, our components are high – higher than many crossbreed herds, according to our nutritionist. We ship to a cheese plant, so we want good components. But we’ve still maintained production.” After harvesting soybeans in the fall of 2019, the Stapels frost-seeded oats, rye, wheat and clover the follow-
ing March. They then planted corn in May when the crop was 6 inches tall. The Stapels are working with an agronomist to gure out how to set cover crops back without killing them. After taking corn silage off last year, the Stapels planted rye and triticale which they are now chopping. They will then put that eld back to corn or a cocktail mix. Stapel said their strategy creates a busy time currently as they make all of their rye and plant corn simultaneously while also trying to spread manure. “A lot of people said the things we’re doing won’t work here,” Stapel said. “I think it works everywhere if you’re willing to modify it to your farm. The words, ‘That won’t work,’ should not be in the vocabulary of a farmer.” Without the need to level elds, the Stapels enjoyed a calmer spring this year. “I think the way we’re doing things now is easier,” Stapel said. “We might give up some yield, but I can afford to. It’s not about yield, it’s about protability. Soil health has to go hand in hand with keeping money in the farmer’s pocket. We’re saving time and fuel, and wear and tear on equipment, which saves us money.” The Stapels are part of the Sheboygan River Progressive Farmers watershed group and will be hosting a Field Day in August to share their ideas with others. “We’re willing and able to take risks,” Stapel said. “In a couple years, we’d like to reduce and possibly eliminate the use of commercial fertilizers and herbicides on our farm. I know that’s a tall order, but it’s being done on farms throughout the nation and is one of our goals. We’re branching away from conventional ag, and it’s a journey that requires patience and persistence.”
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June 21-22, 2021
Gopher Dairy camp 2021 will be a fun twoday ALL VIRTUAL event for teens who want to improve their dairy cattle knowledge and showing skills. The camp is open to youth grades 6-9. This year's camp will include fun workshops such as a follow-along recipe with Princess Kay of the Milky Way, a fitting and grooming demonstration, a craft project, and more!
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Questions? Go to z.umn.edu/gdcamp or contact Registration is FREE! (Due date: June 4th) camp co-chairs Matthias Annexstad (cell: 507-479-3365 Use this link to register: email: annex027@umn.edu) or z.umn.edu/GDCcampregister2021 Mikayla Peper (cell: 715-294-0688 email: peper033@umn.edu)
Dairy seeks U.S. Trade Representative action on Canadian TRQ Page 8 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021
Nearly 70 dairy companies and associations, Sustainability, trade The International Dairy Foods Association has including the National Milk Producers Federation and U.S. Dairy Export Council, are urging the U.S. Trade reached out to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Representative’s Ofce to initiate a dispute settlement U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to outline its case with Canada over its dairy tariff-rate new trade principles and the environment. Ag Insider quota system. “Canada has always been IDFA is willing to include environmental obstinate on dairy, and at this stage, it is sustainability considerations when the increasingly clear that further action is administration negotiates trade deals that needed to ensure a fair and transparent may impact the dairy industry. enforcement of USMCA,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO for NMPF. Vilsack responds to USDA COVID-19 relief lawsuits Supply, demand report offers insight At the end of April, two lawsuits into dairy sector were led focusing on the sociallyDue to an increase in cow numbers, disadvantaged farmer proposal included the United States Department of in the Biden administration’s latest Agriculture increased its 2021 milk round of COVID-19 relief. Agriculture By Don Wick production forecast by 200 million Secretary Tom Vilsack has responded to Columnist pounds. Total milk production is now those lawsuits. “I have to take you back estimated at 228 billion pounds. The 20 to 30 years when we know for a fact USDA supply/demand report calls for higher prices socially-disadvantaged producers were discriminated for nonfat dry milk, cheese and whey and lower prices at by the USDA. We’ve reimbursed people in the for butter. The all-milk price forecast for the year rose past for those acts of discrimination, but we’ve never 55 cents to $18.95 per hundredweight. dealt with the cumulative effect. The updates in the American Rescue Plan start addressing the cumulative Pizza demand remains strong effect. Secondly, when you look at the COVID-19 Mozzarella cheese production enjoyed a 2% relief packages passed and distributed by USDA prior increase from March 2020 to March 2021. That’s to the American Rescue Plan, it’s clear white farmers after a production drop in January and February. Even did well because of the way it was structured,” Vilsack with the pandemic winding down, pizza demand has said. Vilsack said the litigation will be what it is. In been very strong. Domino’s Pizza had rst quarter the meantime, USDA will move forward. revenues increase from $873 million to nearly $984 million. Papa John’s enjoyed a 25% increase in Bronaugh conrmed revenues, moving from $410 million to $512 million. With a voice vote, the Senate has conrmed Yum Brands is the parent company of Pizza Hut. In Dr. Jewel Bronaugh to be the deputy secretary of total, Yum Brands rose 18% in the rst quarter. During agriculture. Bronaugh is the rst woman of color to the quarter, Pizza Hut added 71 new restaurants. serve as the No. 2 person at USDA. Most recently, Bronaugh was the agriculture commissioner in Virginia.
Young, Lasseter launch new consulting rm Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue’s former chief of staff, Joby Young, has formed a consulting rm with former Defense Department ofcial David Lasseter called Horizon Global Solutions. Young also spent time as the chief of staff for Deputy Agriculture Secretary Steve Censky. CFAP 2 payments continue A total of $13.6 billion in Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 payments have been made thus far. That includes over $1.2 billion for dairy farmers. Managing drug residue The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management program has published its latest Milk and Dairy Beef Drug Residue Prevention Reference Manual. A pocket guide is also available. This tool promotes best management practices for treating dairy cattle. A comprehensive list of approved drugs and the withdrawal times is included. Reviewing rules for organic dairy production USDA is proposing revisions to its organic regulations to outline how conventional dairy cattle are transitioned into organic production. The rule species a farmer can transition cows into organic production only once rather than cycling them in and out of organic production. This is the third time the National Organic Program has been reopened for public comment, but USDA has not implemented any changes. New cheese plant in the works Great Lakes Cheese has broken ground for a new state-of-the-art cheese packaging and distribution plant at Abilene, Texas. Great Lakes Cheese has facilities in ve other states, including Wisconsin. The Abilene plant is expected to employ 500 workers. Turn to AG INSIDER | Page 9
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Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • Page 9
ConƟnued from AG INSIDER | Page 8 WDE ofcial honored Longtime World Dairy Expo Holstein superintendent Ken Elliott has received the Honorary Klussendorf Award. The Klussendorf Award is considered the highest recognition given to a dairy cattle exhibitor. The Honorary Klussendorf Award is recognition of an individual’s involvement in the purebred dairy industry. Zimmerman joins Jahnke at Midwest Farm Report Aaron Zimmerman has joined the Midwest Farm Report as a farm broadcaster. Zimmerman also operates a small livestock operation and show pig business. Zimmerman was the state FFA vice president, received the Wisconsin FFA State Farmer recognition and was a national FFA agricultural communications prociency award winner. Serving up dairy products at state fair The Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board is looking for
individuals to work at the Real Wisconsin Cheese Grill and the allnew Dairyland Shake Shop during the Wisconsin State Fair. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age. Preference will be given to applicants who can work a minimum of ve eight-hour shifts during the fair. Trivia challenge Most cows chew their cud 50 times per minute. That answers our last trivia question. For this week’s trivia, what is the world record for lifetime milk production from one cow? We will have the answer in the next edition of Dairy Star. Don Wick is owner/broadcaster for the Red River Farm Network, based in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Wick has been recognized as the National Farm Broadcaster of the Year and served as president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. Don and his wife, Kolleen, have two adult sons, Tony and Sam, and ve grandchildren, Aiden, Piper, Adrienne, Aurora and Sterling.
Bovy: “It saves us time not having to run to check records” What do you use Bovy to look up? We use Bovy for several reasons: sire used, calving dates, last milk and SCC results. How has using Bovy helped you and your dairy? It saves us time not having to run to check records in the ofÀce for the information. What are some of the other DHIA tests you use? We use the pregnancy check on cows from our milk samples. How has testing with DHIA beneÀtted your dairy? It gives us the information to make the best choice on culling decisions.
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Memories made, dreams achieved
Mayers disperse herd, celebrate dairy career By Danielle Nauman danielle.n@dairystar.com
BLOOMER, Wis. – Pouring their heart and soul into whatever they do comes naturally for Don and Liz Mayer. The decades they have spent earning the admiration and respect of registered Holstein breeders globally were apparent May 13 as their Mayerlane Holstein herd was dispersed at their Bloomer farm. Don and Liz grew up with registered Holsteins and began growing their herd while working on other family-owned dairy DANIELLE NAUMAN/DAIRY STAR farms following their Don and Liz Mayer dispersed their Mayerlane Holsteins herd May 13 at their marriage in 1980. With farm in Bloomer, Wisconsin. Liz is pictured holding their sale catalog while Don three young children, the is holding the catalog from his grandfather’s 1965 Mayer Farms Sale. Mayers decided to set down roots on their Chippewa Valley farm in 1990. cow. That cow was Wataview Mark Babe, and she was “It has been such a great life, raising our kids here quite a cow. She ended up being the supreme chamand now seeing how excited our grandkids are by the pion that year.” farm and the cows,” Liz said. “Being able to instill the At the time of their dispersal, the Mayers were work ethic and the values into our family has been so milking about 55 cows, with a rolling herd average of rewarding.” 25,000 pounds of milk with about 1,050 pounds of fat. Encouraging youth has been a priority for the “We focus on the individual animal,” Don said. Mayers. Over the years, those young people have pro- “We really work to develop the cow families and to vided a great deal of the manpower that operates the breed the best individuals we can.” farm. While the core commitment to breeding for good “We’ve never had a labor problem,” Don said. type and production has remained the same through“We’ve always had kids around, wanting to help and out their career, the Mayers have let their breeding learn. All of them have been wonderful and are like philosophy evolve with the advancement and develfamily to us.” opment of the breed. Don’s love of helping grow enthusiasm for the “The registered business has changed so much registered Holstein business is the result of spending throughout my career,” Don said. “I look back at the a great deal of time with his grandfather, well-known 1970s when there were so many players. You could registered Holstein breeder Christ Mayer. buy a good cow, breed her to a good bull, sell the calf “I basically grew up in Holstein royalty. Everyone for good money and still have the cow to make another knew Grandpa, and I was always ‘Little Christ,’” Don good calf. If you had nice calves, someone was going said, recalling his grandfather. “We would go to sales, to come and nd you.” and Grandpa would tell me to nd the cow he should Today, the Mayers believe genomics provide usebuy. When he bought one I had picked out, that was ful tools, particularly the information regarding daughjust a great feeling.” ter pregnancy rate, to enter into their mating decisions, Don also recalled an experience from the 1973 but they are cautious not to let the numbers they see on World Dairy Expo where fellow northwestern Wis- paper dictate their decisions. consin Holstein breeder Henry ‘Sonny’ Bartel made “The whole way we breed cattle has changed,” an impact on him as a young boy. Don said. “You can expect change but can’t let it over“They sent me to Expo with four head; I was 12 come common sense. The use of genomics is terric.” years old,” Don said. “Expo was quite different from Both Don and Liz agree two cows stand out in what it is now. I was stalled across from Sonny, and their minds: Golden Oaks Mark Prudence EX-95 5E he asked me to help him walk his recently purchased GMD DOM and Whittier Farms Lead Mae EX-95 3E GMD DOM. “Owning Prudence and Lead Mae, the two 95-point cows, is one of the magical things,” Don said. “Those cows are responsible for creating so many of those friendships over the years.” The Mayers have hosted foreign visitors and farm trainees, and the Mayers recall many of them fondly. “I remember one man from Russia got off the bus asking where Prudence was,” Liz said. “He went in and gave her a big hug and he was crying. In his broken English, he kept saying she was so DANIELLE NAUMAN/DAIRY STAR beautiful. You don’t forSale-goers watch as the Mayerlane Holsteins herd went through the sale ring at the CelebraƟon of Excellents sale at the farm May 13 in Bloomer, Wisconsin. Turn to MAYERS | Page
Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • Page 11
ConƟnued from MAYERS | Page 10
Bring out the best in yorur investment
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PHOTO SUBMITTED
The Mayer family includes – (from leŌ) Megan, Brynlee and DusƟn Mayer holding Willa; WyaƩ Mayer; Fritzy Ullom; Liz and Don Mayer; Erica, Travis and Hannah Ullom; Logan Prince; and Elsie, Sam, Millie, Haƫe and Andrew Berlin holding Bo. Don and Liz, along with their family, dispersed their herd May 13 at the farm in Bloomer, Wisconsin. get that. A man we worked with from Germany called wanting to watch the sale online on Cowbuyer.” The family of Mayerlane Catamount EX-94 3E has been creating interest in the Mayerlane Herd, with many sale features going back to Catamount. One feature was a Woodcrest King Doc daughter, Mayerlane Black Cat, who ended up topping the sale. While developing the Mayerlane herd, Don spent a great deal of time selling animals for other people, working on sale staffs for both Tom Morris LTD and Courtney Sales LLC. “Early on in my sales career, Tom (Morris) told me that you don’t ever quit on a sale,” Don said. “If you are working a sale, you give 100%, especially if you are selling out someone who is done. Their whole life’s work is riding on this. That has stuck with me right from the get-go.” Don considers himself fortunate to have a great group of cowmen, who he
counts among his best friends, on the sale staff, putting their full effort into the dispersal. “Working for Tom Morris, and now Scott Courtney, you see the behindthe-scenes things that they are both so meticulous about. That is how I was trained, to see all those details,” Don said. “I have been on the backside of the ring for 40 years, and now it is my turn.” In the past ve years, Don has become involved with sourcing commercial dairy cattle for large dairies over a ve-state area, learning another facet of the dairy industry. He plans to continue to work in both aspects of sales after the cows leave the farm. “We have made so many good friends in the business,” Don said. “The people who have called us – those I might have worked a sale for 20 years ago who remember us, those who have bought animals from us or through us, or those that have visited the farm – to me that speaks volumes.”
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Page 12 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021
Green Bay Packer Hall of Famer teams up with dairy
LeRoy Butler spends day at Fond du Lac County farm By Stacey Smart
stacey.s@dairystar.com
EDEN, Wis. – The man who invented the famous Lambeau Leap paid a special visit to a dairy farm in Fond du Lac County May 12. Kurt and Sarah Loehr, of Forest Ridge Holsteins in Eden, welcomed former Green Bay Packers football player LeRoy Butler to their farm where he enjoyed the day bottle feeding a calf, driving a tractor, leading a show cow around and much more. “It’s not every day you get to do something like this,” Kurt Loehr said. “It was a lot of fun.” Butler spent the day with Loehr and his family talking, touring the farm and interacting with the animals in an event coordinated by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. When Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin contacted the Loehrs in early March to ask if they would like to host a well-known Wisconsin athlete, the dairy farmers jumped at the opportunity. “When we found out a month later it was Butler, we were even more excited,” Loehr said. Butler is teaming up with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin to help better educate consumers about dairy farming. Throughout the year, he will share through social media what he has learned by visiting Wisconsin dairy farms. Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin took Butler to visit two dairies – Loehrs and Bonlenders – to get answers to questions he sees or hears through his social media and media appearances. Butler, the strong safety who played with the Packers from 1990 to 2001, maximized his day at the Loehrs by arriving early and staying late. Butler was scheduled to be at the farm from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., but he called Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin the night before asking if he could come early because he was so excited. “Butler got here at 10:30 a.m. and it was pushing 4 by the time he left,” Loehr said. “He couldn’t get enough. Butler’s willingness to learn what we do every day was awesome.”
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Kurt and Sarah Loehr and their daughters, Adella (leŌ) and Ainsley, host former Green Bay Packers football player LeRoy Butler May 12 at their farm near Eden, Wisconsin. The Loehr family gave Butler a cooler full of Sartori cheese and Butler gave the Loehrs a signed jersey.
Turn to LOEHR | Page 13
We want to thank our farmers, milk haulers and employees for everything that you have done, and continue to do, for our country! www.Bongards.com
Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • Page 13
ConƟnued from LOEHR | Page 12
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LeRoy Butler, Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer, leads a show cow around aŌer receiving lessons from Adella (leŌ) and Ainsley Loehr. Butler is teaming up with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin to help educate consumers about dairy farming and will share his experience with his social media followers. Butler asked questions about farming and sustainability during an interview with the Loehrs. The Loehrs then took Butler on a walking tour of their facilities while explaining what they do to promote cow comfort, what they feed the cows and the different rations they supply to different cow groups. Butler then had the opportunity to try his hand at chores. “Butler really liked bottle feeding the calf,” Loehr said. “He thought that was neat.” Loehr took Butler out in the eld for a ride on the tractor to do tillage work and gave Butler time behind the wheel. Loehr’s oldest daughter gave the pro football player a lesson on how to lead a cow, and Butler also did a Lambeau Leap up in the hay mow. “He’s a really good, down-to-earth guy,” Loehr said. “Our personalities clicked.” Loehr was impressed by the Packer Hall of Famer’s enthusiasm for dairy farming. “It was enlightening to see a guy of his caliber genuinely passionate about sharing the dairy industry’s story of where milk and cheese comes from and connecting that to the consumer,” Loehr said. “It was pretty amazing.” Loehr was surprised to learn that Butler loves to cook and has written seven cookbooks featuring many dairybased recipes. “That got everything off on the right foot,” Loehr said. “He’s been promoting dairy without us even knowing. He even has a famous mac n’ cheese recipe that highlights Wisconsin cheeses.” Loehr said Butler gained a better understanding of the amount of work, dedication and sacrice that go into
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Page 14 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021
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Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • Page 15
How did college prepare you for your dairy career? Evan Schrauth Waupun, Wiscsonin Fond du Lac County 70 cows
Everett Yoap Coleman, Wisconsin Oconto County 130 cows
What college did you attend, what degree did you obtain and when did you graduate? I graduated from Lakeshore Technical College in 2015 with a degree in dairy herd management.
What college did you attend, what degree did you obtain and when did you graduate? I graduated Lakeshore Technical College in 2011 with a technical diploma in dairy herd management.
What was one of the best ways college prepared you for your dairy career? The nancial courses were probably the biggest thing that helped prepare me for farming. Growing up, you learn how to take care of a cow and drive a tractor, but no one sits you down and teaches you how to push numbers. It was benecial for me to have a course like that when I was 18 or 19 years old.
What was one of the best ways college prepared you for your dairy career? Like many who elect to attend a technical school, I took full advantage of the numerous opportunities to learn by doing. Hands-on skills and practical application learned by those who do the work every day in their careers were invaluable. Thanks to the unique opportunity provided by the LTC course, I was also able to tour numerous dairy operations, many times three or four a week, and compare a variety of ways to manage a dairy.
How do you stay connected with former classmates or advisors? Why is that valuable to you as a dairy farmer? Most of the friends I have now are people I met in college, including two of my best friends. They live two hours away, but we get together and also talk on the phone once a week for an hour about cows, family, life, etc. We bounce ideas off of each other as we talk about what’s going on here and what’s going on by him. I ask questions to see what things worked for him and vice versa. I also keep in touch with my instructor, Craig Lallensack, through texts, phone calls and Facebook. We probably talk once a month. He also comes to my farm once a year with students from Lakeshore Tech to clip our cows as part of one of their fundraisers. How do you continue to expand your farming knowledge while being on the farm? By reading different articles in the Dairy Star and other newspapers and magazines. I also belong to some Facebook groups, and I read the articles they post. I read stuff on my phone while feeding cows. I want to keep up with what’s going on and see if there’s anything we can better ourselves in. What part of dairy farming were you not prepared for after graduating? The biggest thing would probably be the nancial stress and the nancial aspects of farming. In high school, I had a couple jobs and used to make double payments on my truck. I remember vividly when I took out my Farm Service Agency loan and I asked the lady, “How do I make a double payment when I have extra money?” She laughed at me and said, “You won’t have to worry about that.” I gured out the hard way. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Why is dairying still the career for you? This is something I wanted to do forever. Farming is my biggest passion in life. As a kid, I started raising pigs in the rst grade. When I sold a pig, I put the money in a savings account. People asked why a 7-year-old was doing that, and I told them it was because I want to farm someday. People laughed at me and said it’s never going to happen. But 18 years later, here I am. You really have to love farming to want to do it, especially in this day and age. Tell us about your farm and plans for your dairy this year. I bought the farm three years ago and moved my cows from a place I was renting in Lomira. We were milking 55. We remodeled the tiestall barn and put in mattresses and green comfort bars between the cows, which makes it nice for milking. We also redid the heifer barn and remodeled our loang shed and put in 24 freestalls for dry cows and heifers. I farm with my wife, Taylor, and we have a daughter, Briella, 1.5. My dad is a herdsman at a large dairy, but him and my mom are always here on weekends helping me. I pick a project every year, and my dad and I work on it all summer to make things nicer for the cows. Right now, we’re redoing part of our barn and adding more stalls so we can get to 85-90 cows milking. I only have 10 acres, so I purchase our feed from a retired dairy farmer. Genetics is my favorite part of farming. I’m always trying to improve and make better cattle and am ushing a couple cows this year. We try to better our herd and make things more comfortable for our cows and make a better cow overall.
How do you stay connected with former classmates or advisors? Why is that valuable to you as a dairy farmer? Unfortunately, I haven’t stayed connected with my classmates as much as I wished I had. However, I have had opportunities to maintain a good relationship with former and current advisors whether that be through volunteering my time at the school or calling on them for guidance. It’s incredibly valuable knowing I have a network of people I can call on who are connected to a much larger network of people willing to lend help or advice. How do you continue to expand your farming knowledge while being on the farm? I’m a rm believer that if you stop learning, you’re accepting you’ve peaked in whatever you do. Because of this, I enroll yearly in our local NWTC Farm Business & Production Management course. Thanks to our knowledgeable advisor, I am able to stay current on new issues, solutions and opportunities in the industry as well as have access to another network of peers willing to share experiences. What part of dairy farming were you not prepared for after graduating? Knowing the best way to manage cattle and knowing how to protably manage a dairy enterprise are two different things that require different skill sets. Right out of college, I knew what the cattle needed to grow and produce, but I had to quickly educate myself with the necessary skills such as business accounting and working with lenders to run the farm as a sustainable business. Why is dairying still the career for you? In this profession, I get the rare opportunity to do honest work with and for myself and my family. I get to watch my kids grow up on a farm and experience things most kids don’t. I get to work daily with my incredible wife and brother building this business together. Most importantly, I get the humbling experience knowing that some aspects of the successes or failures of my farm are completely out of my control and simply require faith that God will let us continue doing what we love. Tell us about your farm and plans for your dairy this year. Cowtown Acres LLC is a small, family-owned and operated business consisting of multiple enterprises including dairy production, custom cropping, cash cropping and auction hosting. This year, we hope to meet new production and quality goals we’ve set as well as expand our custom haying and bale wrapping business. We’re also in the process of building a new youngstock facility that should unlock new opportunities as well as implementing some exciting new soil conservation practices to better our cropping system.
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Page 16 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021
ConƟnued from OUR SIDE | Page 15 Jason James Mineral Point, Wisconsin Iowa County 175 cows
Wayne Peters Lake City, Minnesota Wabasha County 150 cows
What college did you attend, degree you obtained and when did you graduate? I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 2005 with an animal science degree with a
What college did you attend, what degree did you obtain and when did you graduate? I attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison Farm and Industry Short Course and received a certificate for dairy herd management in 2005.
What was one of the best ways college prepared you for your dairy career? By having small class sizes, I had the chance to participate in real world experience and one-on-one interaction with my instructors, which gave me the chance to hone my skills and knowledge. My degree gave me a good base to use post-college as a dairy farmer.
What was one of the best ways college prepared you for your dairy career? It got me off the farm to learn different ways to achieve farm protability. I worked here on my family’s farm my whole life so it gave me a different structure. At the time, ovsynch was pretty new so I was able to talk to and work with advisors about using it, including Dr. Milo Wiltbank, who helped get it off the ground. I also was able to work with the cattle in the herd on campus. It was very hands-on learning.
dairy emphasis.
How do you stay connected with former classmates or advisors? Why is that valuable to you as a dairy farmer? The connections I gained in college are of the most valuable aspects of getting my degree. Connections gained, with a network of people who have the same goals and objectives, gives me a wonderful network of people I can go back to with questions or advice. Having those people who understand the ins and outs of a working operation is extremely valuable. How do you continue to expand your farming knowledge while being on the farm? Being involved in agricultural organizations as well as attending industry workshops and conferences is important to keep in touch with the latest trends and technologies available. What part of dairy farming were you not prepared for after graduating? The uctuation of the pricing system we receive for our milk. And on that same token, the volatility of inputs such as feed prices. Why is dairying still the career for you? I enjoy the variety each day brings as well as being able to be involved with and work with family. Tell us about your farm and plans for your dairy this year. I, along with my wife, Leah, and daughters, Brenlyn and Annika, run Pine-Valley Farm. The dairy is my home farm, and my parents, Ralph and Mary Jean, are active on the operation. We milk 175 Holstein, Jersey and Milking Shorthorn cows. We raise our replacement heifers. Additionally, we do embryo transfer work and have sold multiple bulls into stud as well as have developed all-Americans. This year, we hope to put up a maternity barn and calving area.
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How do you stay connected with former classmates or advisors? Why is that valuable to you as a dairy farmer? There were four of us from the area who attended college there so we were able to travel to and from school on the weekends together. I am still very close with two of them since they are still dairy farming. Right after college, I kept up with Dr. Bob Cropp, Dr. Wiltbank and Paul Fricke to ask questions; however, now I just see them occasionally if they present at a seminar. How do you continue to expand your farming knowledge while being on the farm? Our local nutrition co-op offers dairy seminars in the winter, which I really like attending. The last few years I have found the Central Plains Dairy Expo to be very benecial. I have met farmers there my age and they have great seminars. There is also a lot of new technology to look at in the trade show. I can get to know people there, build a relationship and keep up with them. What part of dairy farming were you not prepared for after graduating? After I returned home, I farmed for my dad for one year before buying in in 2006. Then in 2008 and 2009, we had $9 milk. Nobody saw that coming. It was a struggle, but we got through it. In hindsight, it made me more conservative in my spending. It is also because of those years I started working with Farm Business Management, which has now helped my farm be more successful. Our current FBM instructor, Mark Wehe, is great. Why is dairying still the career for you? I was born and bred to be a dairy farmer. I am the fth generation and it’s always something I’ve wanted to do. I really like the genetics. Plus, with all the new technology in the industry, it’s fun to watch it evolve. We just put in an activity monitoring system one year ago. It’s been great. I like being my own boss. Tell us about your farm and plans for your dairy this year. I farm together with my wife, Josie. We have three kids: John Wayne, 7, Ruth, 5, and Oliver, 3. This year we plan to be moderate or conservative with our spending and try to cut down a little debt. I did make two small upgrades in equipment and we will be putting in a feed tracking system on our mixer to get better data on our feed, dial in our cost of feed per head per day and cut down on our cost of production; however, other than that, we won’t be spending much. There is a lot of ination in everything right now. I think that might crash towards the end of summer or sometime soon. I want to be prepared for what’s coming.
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Tanner Mashek Calmar, Iowa Winneshiek County 420 cows What college did you attend, what degree did you obtain and when did you graduate? I attended Northeast Iowa Community College and obtained a degree in agricultural business in 2015. What was one of the best ways college prepared you for your dairy career? College prepared me for my dairy career the most by job experience. I worked on our farm my whole life so I didn’t see much outside of the farm, but in college I did my internship at Swissgenetics in Switzerland. Swissgenetics is one of the largest A.I. companies in Europe and the world. I got to work in their Brown Swiss program as a sire analyst for three months. It was denitely a life-changing experience to go outside the box and go to the opposite side of the world to work. How do you stay connected with former classmates or advisors? Why is that valuable to you as a dairy farmer? I stay connected with former classmates and advisors through social media, like Facebook or Snapchat. It is valuable to stay connected to others as a learning tool to get new ideas from people I talk to on certain topics if needed. It’s important to stay connected with others as the dairy industry isn’t the easiest career to be in anymore. With all of the stress of dairy farming, it is always good to have people to talk to when needed. How do you continue to expand your farming knowledge while being on the farm? Learning from others is the easiest way to keep expanding my farm knowledge. Between working with our herd vet, Kevin Jacobs from Postville Vet Clinic, our nutritionist, Josh Corcoran from Nelson Dairy Consultants, and my dad, Dennis, I’m able to learn things all the time. It’s important to ask questions when needed, and Kevin, Josh and my dad are tremendous teachers for me to do the best job possible with the dairy. The more I ask questions, the more I will keep learning. What part of dairy farming were you not prepared for after graduating? The part of dairy farming I was not prepared for after graduating is being organized. I thought I was organized enough before college, but with being the herdsman of all the animals at Hilltop Acres, managing the whole genomic program, plus all of the other everyday things that have to be done, it gets to be crazy. I try to plan my days out in advance now if I can, so I can keep track of everything going on and try not to forget anything. Why is dairying still the career for you? Dairying is and will always be the career for me. Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve always had the love for the cows, and I do every day. I’m honestly not sure what I would want to do if I wasn’t able to work with my cows every day. One thing I especially love about dairying is seeing baby calves grow and develop into outstanding cows. At Hilltop Acres, we are aggressively into the genomic game. Most of our calves are genomic tested between 1 and 2 months old, so I get to watch my high offspring develop by the day and see them prove out. Tell us about your farm and plans for your dairy this year. Hilltop Acres Farm is an eighth-generation family farm located in northeast Iowa. Dennis and Barb Mashek own and operate the business along with their sons, Josh and Tanner. The farm is home to 420 registered Brown Swiss which are milked in a double-12 parlor three times a day. We farm 1,000 acres of land which consists of corn and alfalfa. We also haul our milk which goes to Meister Cheese in Muscoda, Wisconsin. Hilltop Acres is a globally known Brown Swiss herd marketing genetics worldwide. We are aggressive in the genomic game with putting around ve-plus bulls in stud each year. We are working with 11 high genomic cow families and are doing in vitro fertilization every two weeks on the selected donors. Our rolling herd average is 27,921 pounds of milk, 4.5% fat and 3.6% protein. There is nothing too exciting in the plan for Hilltop Acres in 2021; the main plan as always is to produce high-quality feed to keep the cows producing as high as possible.
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Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • Page 17
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Page 18 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021
Devoted to the family farm
Muenster progresses into full-time farmer By Stacey Smart
stacey.s@dairystar.com
SEYMOUR, Wis. – Muenster Homestead Farms has experienced a whirlwind of changes in recent years. The Muensters downsized their herd by 60%, eliminated outside help, switched from A.I. breeding to natural breeding, morphed from registered Holsteins to crossbreeds and started selling beef. It was a transformation that aligned with Brittney Muenster’s return to her family’s farm. And Muenster was happy to be there for all of it. However, she had to split her
time between two careers. In addition to dairy farming, Muenster has worked at Family Insurance Center in Freedom for the past six years, maintaining their farm book businesses. Working full time both on and off the farm left Muenster with no time to spare. “I maintained a double life for a while, and it was exhausting,” said Muenster, who made a change to part time at the end of 2019. “I thought it would be temporary at rst, but then I found I liked it here.” The Muensters milk 100 cows and farm 300 acres near Seymour. Muenster is the fth generation on her famSTACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
BriƩney Muenster milks 100 cows and crops 300 acres with her dad, Ben, and her brothers, DusƟn and Dylan, near Seymour, Wisconsin. Muenster owns one-fourth of the herd and plans to take over the operaƟon someday.
STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
These calves are a cross between a Holstein and a Milking Shorthorn and are a new type of crossbreed the Muensters are experimenƟng with on their farm near Seymour, Wisconsin.
ily’s farm which was founded in 1867. Muenster Homestead Farms started out as a pig farm, and Muenster’s dad and grandpa purchased the farm’s rst registered Holstein in 1963. Muenster farms with her dad, Ben, and her brothers, Dustin and Dylan – both of whom work off the farm full time. Dustin is a police ofcer and Dylan works at Dawes Rigging & Crane Rental. Muenster and her dad do the milking. On the days she is working off
the farm, her dad milks solo. Muenster also manages calves and does herd work with help from Dustin. Muenster’s sister, Chelsey Thiel, and Chelsey’s husband, Sam, help on the farm occasionally as well. Muenster’s mother, Karen, works part time in the lab at the cheese plant where the Muensters ship their milk. Muenster’s move to part time was brought on because her family needed help running
the farm when her grandpa became ill. Thoughts of the farm lled her mind while she was at work, and Muenster could feel the dairy tugging at her heart. “I had an epiphany moment and thought, ‘What am I doing here all the time?’” Muenster said. “I ultimately thought I’d come back to the farm, but I never really believed I could handle it until I Turn to MUENSTER | Page 20
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Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • Page 19
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Page 20 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021
Con�nued from MUENSTER | Page 18 was forced into the situation.” This was also the time when the Muensters lost part of their herd due to feed issues, creating an unintentional downsize. At one point, the Muensters were milking 250 cows and had multiple employees, including a herdsman. But the larger herd size and need for employees created a separation from the farm that the Muensters did not like. “We felt removed from the farm when dealing with employees instead of cows,” Muenster said. The Muensters preferred to manage cows, not people, so the family simplied and began to intentionally downsize and put family back in the center of their farm.
“Except for a few parttime kids, it’s just our family working here again,” Muenster said. “We’ve come full circle.” Returning to a quiet, small-farm feel, the decrease in herd size made life more manageable for the Muensters who nd satisfaction in their back-to-basics approach. The downsize that began early in 2020 has now leveled out. Fortunate to have more space than they need, the Muensters discussed ideas to ll the 200-stall freestall barn. Leasing the space or raising more beef animals are possibilities that have been tossed around. “One bad year can last for a couple years until you gure out where the ground is at again,” Muenster said. “I intended to leave my part-time STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
Bri�ney Muenster feeds grain to calves May 14 on her family’s farm near Seymour, Wisconsin.
STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
The Muensters’ milking parlor was retro�ed into the original stanchion barn. The Muensters have plans to turn their parlor office into a storefront for selling their beef products.
job, and I even put my notice in. But it is so hard to nd employees right now due to a ooded job market. My employer was very accommodating to me, and I did not want to leave them in a bind.” So, Muenster stayed on and works two days a week but hopes to leave before the end of the year so she can devote herself to the farm. “This is where my passion is, and the people I work for want to see me pursue it,” she
said. Muenster appreciates the time she spent off the farm in a different industry after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Farm and Industry Short Course program. “I learned a lot working somewhere else,” she said. “But I also like being with the cows every day.” The ultimate plan is for Muenster to take over the operation. Her parents own the real
estate and land along with half of the herd, and she and Dustin each own a quarter of the herd. “This is our way to buy into the farm,” said Muenster, who began purchasing a portion of the cattle in 2015. “I’d like to buy the property before I buy the rest of my dad’s herd. I’d like to try diversied cropping and some different things. I want to see what other markets are out there.” Turn to MUENSTER | Page 22
Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • Page 21
Financing subject to pre-approval through JD Financial. Some restrictions apply. See dealer for details.
Low-Rate Financing Available
JD 569, 2014, ##179194 17919 1944
JD L330, 2016, #179376
25,900
$
JD W260, 2019, $ #175592
174,900
Hesston 1372, $ 2010, #178648
89,900
Demco RM600, $ 2014 #181336
17,900
NH H7550, 2014, #167351
17,400
$
Hardi Commander $ 1200, 2002, #181150
17,500
19,900
$
Top Air TA1200, $ 2011, #179435
44,900
Equipment and pictures added daily • Go to www.mmcjd.com COMPACT LOADERS 6 JD 324K 2016, Cab w/AC, Coupler; 405/70R20, Ride Control, 2838 Hrs., #178656...........$74,900 16 JD 324K 2017, Cab w/AC, 3 Spool, 2.1 yd Bucket, 405/70R20, Ride Control, 557 Hrs., #165256 .........................................................................................................$92,500 COMPACT TRACK LOADERS 7 Caterpillar 287B 2006, Cab Enclosure, AC, Hand Controls, Hi-Flo, Aux. Hydraulics, Self-Leveling, Wide Rubber Tracks, 76” Bucket, #182684 ...............................................$25,750 6 JD 333E 2016, Cab Enclosure, AC, Foot Controls, EH Controls, Air Ride Seat, Hi-Flo, Aux. Hydraulics, Ride Control, 2 Speed, Wide Rubber Tracks, Reversing Fan, 3000 Hrs., #177763 .......................................................................................................$39,500 6 Bobcat T550 2017, Cab w/AC, Cab Enclosure, Foot Controls, Air Ride Seat, Hi-Flo, 2 Speed, Self-Leveling, Rubber Tracks, 72” Bucket, Reversing Fan, 401 Hrs., #175530 ........................................................................................................................$44,900 2 JD 317G 2018, Cab Enclosure, AC, EH Controls, Air Ride Seat, Joystick, Aux. Hydraulics, Ride Control, Self-Leveling, Narrow Rubber Tracks, 72” Bucket, 95 Hrs., #173640 ..........$49,995 16 JD 333E 2014, Cab Enclosure, AC, EH Controls, Air Ride Seat, Aux. Hydraulics, 2 Speed, Wide Track, 84” Bucket, Reversing Fan, 1004 Hrs., #175289.............................$50,400 16 JD 333G 2018, Cab Enclosure, AC, EH Controls, Air Ride Seat, Aux. Hydraulics, Ride Control, 2 Speed, Self-Leveling, Wide Rubber Tracks, General Purpose Bkt, Reversing Fan, 1444 Hrs., #178034 .......................................................................................................$64,500 11 JD 333G 2019, Cab Enclosure, AC, EH Controls, Air Ride Seat, Hi-Flo, Joystick, Aux. Hydraulics, Ride Control, 2 Speed, Self-Leveling, Wide Rubber Tracks, 84” Bucket, Reversing Fan, 553 Hrs., #181870 .............................................................. $68,900 11 JD 333G 2018, Cab Enclosure, AC, EH Controls, Air Ride Seat, Hi-Flo, Joystick, Aux. Hydraulics, Ride Control, 2 Speed, Self-Leveling, Wide Rubber Tracks, General Purpose Bkt, Reversing Fan, 800 Hrs., #166120 ............................................... $69,900 7 JD 333G 2019, Cab Enclosure, AC, EH Controls, Hi-Flo, Joystick; Aux Hydraulics, Ride Control, 2 Speed, Self-Leveling, Wide Rubber Tracks, General Purpose Bkt, Reversing Fan, 514 Hrs., #182551 ..................................................................................$71,000 1 JD 333G 2019, Cab Enclosure, AC, EH Controls, Air Ride Seat, Hi-Flo, Joystick, Aux. Hydraulics, Ride Control, 2 Speed, Self-Leveling, Wide Rubber Tracks, General Purpose Bkt, Reversing Fan, 448 Hrs., #174797 ................................................$71,500 MISCELLANEOUS HAY EQUIPMENT 10 H&S HSM12 Hay Merger, 2008, #182757...................................................................$11,500 14 Kuhn MM 300 Hay Merger, 2020, #182997 ...............................................................$28,900 3 New Idea 5410 Mounted Hay Mower, #181153 ....................................................... $7,250 7 MF DM306P Mounted Hay Mower, 2017, #177617 ................................................... $9,900 2 JD L330 Large Square Baler, 2016, 7000 Bales, #179376..........................................$89,900 8 JD W260 Windrower 2019, Platform Size: 16, Rubber/Urethane Conditioner, 175 Hrs., #175592....................................................................................$174,900 MOWER CONDITIONERS 7 JD 635 2009, #173285 ..................................................................................................$10,883 17 Hesston 1372 2010, #178648..................................................................................... $17,400 10 JD 946 2012, #182272 ..................................................................................................$17,900 8 NH H7550 2014, #167351 ............................................................................................$19,900 10 JD 946 2009, #182840 ................................................................................................. $20,900 10 NH H7230 2015, #176984 ............................................................................................$22,400 6 JD 956 2015, #180948 ..................................................................................................$35,900 DRAWN PLANTERS 3 JD 1720 2003, 22” Row Spacing, Wing Fold, Vacuum, 1.6 Bu. Hopper, #183017 ..................$14,900 9 JD 1770 1997, 16 Row, 30” Row Spacing, Flex Fold, Vacuum, 3.0 Bu. Hopper, #180078 ........................................................................................................................................ $19,500 4 JD 1770NT CCS 2006, 16 Row, 30” Row Spacing, Flex Fold, Vacuum, Central Fill System, #181880 ........................................................................................ $55,900
17 JD 1790 2003, 16/32 Row, 15/30” Row Spacing, Flex Fold, Vacuum, Central Fill System, #181335 .........................................................................................$62,900 5 JD 1775NT 2021, 16 Row, 30” Row Spacing, Flex Fold, Exact Emerge, Central Fill System, Row Command, Elect. Drive, #174940 ..........................................$199,500 16 JD DB66 2017, 36 Row, 22” Row Spacing, Wing Fold, Exact Emerge, Central Fill System, Row Command, Elect. Drive, #175194 ..........................................$349,500 INTEGRAL PLANTERS 5 JD 7300 1989, 12 Row, 30” Row Spacing, Wing Fold, Vacuum, 1.6 Bu. Hopper, #180958 .$9,000 6 JD 7300 24 Row, 22” Row Spacing, Wing Fold, Vacuum, 1.6 Bu. Hopper, #182009 ......$12,500 6 JD 1720 2006, 16 Row, 30” Row Spacing, Wing Fold, Vacuum, 3.0 Bu. Hopper, #181587.$24,400 PULL-TYPE SPRAYERS 9 Hardi NAV550 2005, #179504 ...................................................................................... $7,041 3 Top Air TA1100 2004, #182369......................................................................................$7,900 17 Top Air TA1200 2005, #180618....................................................................................$12,500 16 Hardi Navigator 4000 #180889 .................................................................................$15,000 5 Hardi Commander Plus 1200 2002, #181150 ...........................................................$17,500 16 Hardi Commander Plus 2005, #182998 .....................................................................$19,900 3 Top Air TA2400 2011, #179435....................................................................................$44,900 ROUND BALERS 10 NH BR770A 2006, Regular Pickup, Twine Only, 540 PTO, 5’ Bale Width, 11500 Bales, #182463 .....................................................................................................$8,400 6 JD 566 1998, Regular Pickup, 540 PTO, 5’ Bale Width, 14000 Bales, #181621 .................$9,400 6 JD 567 2002, Mega Wide Pickup, Twine Only, 540 PTO, 5’ Bale Width, 8312 Bales, #179041 ........................................................................................................................$11,900 4 JD 567 2005, Mega Wide Pickup, Both Twine and Surface Wrap, 1000 PTO, 5’ Bale Width, 17000 Bales, #183214 ............................................................................ $16,400 6 NH Rollbelt 460 2015, Mega Wide Pickup, Both Twine and Surface Wrap, 540 PTO, 4’ Bale Width, 9000 Bales, #178946 ................................................................$20,900 2 NH BR7060 2011, Mega Wide Pickup, Surface Wrap Only, 540 PTO, 4’ Bale Width, Precut Knives, 7300 Bales, #169262 ........................................................$23,900 6 JD 568 2010, Mega Wide Pickup, Both Twine and Surface Wrap, 1000 PTO, 5’ Bale Width, 12200 Bales, #181866 .............................................................................$25,400 17 JD 569 2014, Mega Wide Pickup, Both Twine and Surface Wrap, 1000 PTO, 5’ Bale Width, 15560 Bales, #179194 .............................................................................$25,900 10 JD 854 Silage Special 2013, Mega Wide Pickup, Both Twine and Surface Wrap, 1000 PTO, 5’ Bale Width, Precut Knives, 6000 Bales, #181465..............................$27,900 6 JD 569 Silage Special 2013, Mega Wide Pickup, Surface Wrap Only, 1000 PTO, 5’ Bale Width, 9540 Bales, #177861...............................................................$29,400 5 JD 569 2013, Mega Wide Pickup, Both Twine and Surface Wrap, 1000 PTO, 5’ Bale Width, 18000 Bales, #172972.............................................................$30,900 10 JD 569 2016, Mega Wide Pickup, Both Twine and Surface Wrap, 1000 PTO, 5’ Bale Width, 9800 Bales, #181002 ...............................................................................$31,400 6 Claas 480RC 2017, Mega Wide Pickup, Surface Wrap Only, 540 PTO, 4’ Bale Width, Precut Knives, 5165 Bales, #179187 ........................................................$31,500 6 JD 459 Silage Special 2017, Mega Wide Pickup, Surface Wrap Only, 4’ Bale Width, 3800 Bales, #177855 ...............................................................................$35,900 2 JD 569 2012, Mega Wide Pickup, Both Twine and Surface Wrap, 1000 PTO, 5’ Bale Width, 3300 Bales, #173254 ...............................................................................$38,400 10 JD 569 Silage Special 2015, Mega Wide Pickup, Both Twine and Surface Wrap, 540 PTO, 5’ Bale Width, 3300 Bales, #178210 ................................................................$41,500 10 JD 560M 2018, Mega Wide Pickup, Surface Wrap Only, 1000 PTO, 5’ Bale Width, 7600 Bales, #181057 ...............................................................................$41,500 6 JD 560M 2019, Mega Wide Pickup, Surface Wrap Only, 1000 PTO, 5’ Bale Width, 7200 Bales, #179188 ...............................................................................$42,400
6 6 2 10 7 11 7 5 5 2 8 15 8 4 4 7
4 11 4 7 4 4 10 6 17 11
JD 569 2016, Mega Wide Pickup, Surface Wrap Only, 1000 PTO, 5’ Bale Width, 5085 Bales, #180947 .....................................................................................................$42,400 Krone Comprima V180XC T 2016, Mega Wide Pickup, Both Twine and Surface Wrap, 1000 PTO, 4’ Bale Width, Precut Knives, 7450 Bales, #182694..............................$43,900 SKID STEER LOADERS Gehl 4635SXT 1996, ROPS, Beefy Baby Tires, 72” Bucket, 1507 Hrs., #183197 .............$14,900 NH L785 1994, ROPS, Foot Controls, 2 Speed, Aux Hydraulics, Flotation Tires, 78” Bucket, 3800 Hrs., #181662 .....................................................................................$16,500 Bobcat S220 2004, Cab w/o AC, Foot Controls, Hi-Flo, Self-Leveling, Aux. Hydraulics, 72” Bucket, 4589 Hrs., #181584 ...........................................................$23,500 JD 320D 2013, Cab w/AC, EH Controls, Air Ride Seat, 2 Speed, Aux. Hydraulics, 72” Bucket, Reversing Fan, 3306 Hrs., #182979 .............................................................$24,900 JD 328D 2010, Cab w/AC, Foot Controls, 2 Speed, Aux. Hydraulics, Beefy Baby Tires, 84” Bucket, Reversing Fan, 3771 Hrs., #181337 ..................................$26,900 JD 326D 2011, Cab w/AC, Foot Controls, Air Ride Seat, 2 Speed, Aux. Hydraulics, 78” Bucket, Reversing Fan, 3289 Hrs., #183087....................................$26,900 Gehl R190 2015, Cab Enclosure, Foot Controls, Air Ride Seat, Ride Control, 2 Speed, Weights, General Purpose Bkt 2970 Hrs., #177380 ..........................................$27,500 Gehl R220 2016, Cab w/o AC, EH Controls, 2 Speed, Flotation Tires, 2727 Hrs., #174423 $29,500 JD 318G 2018, Cab w/o AC, Hand Controls, Aux. Hydraulics, Beefy Baby Tires, 72” Bucket, 2191 Hrs., #182499 ..........................................................$30,900 JD 320G 2019, Cab w/AC, EH Controls, Joystick, 2 Speed, Aux. Hydraulics, Less Bucket, 2781 Hrs., #182747....................................................................................$31,900 JD 320G 2019, Cab w/AC, Foot Controls, 2 Speed, Aux. Hydraulics, 72” Bucket, Reversing Fan, 120 Hrs., #182507 ...............................................................$42,900 JD 324G 2018, Cab w/AC, Cab Enclosure, A/C, EH Controls, Air Ride Seat, Ride Control, 2 Speed, Self-Leveling, Aux. Hydraulics, 78” Bucket, Reversing Fan, 410 Hrs., #162065 .$45,900 JD 324G 2019, Cab w/AC, Cab Enclosure, A/C, EH Controls, Air Ride Seat, Joystick, Ride Control, 2 Speed, Self-Leveling, Aux. Hydraulics, Beefy Baby Tires, 78” Bucket, Reversing Fan, 520 Hrs., #172715 ...............................................................$46,000 JD 324G 2019, Cab w/AC, Cab Enclosure, A/C, EH Controls, Air Ride Seat, Ride Control, 2 Speed, Self-Leveling, Aux. Hydraulics, 78” Bucket, Reversing Fan, 468 Hrs., #172714 ..................................................................................$46,500 UTILITY TRACTORS JD 5075M 2019, Standard, Power Reverser, MFWD, 540/1000 PTO, Mid Tire Width, 145 Hrs., #177178 .................................................................................$42,900 JD 5075M 2019, Standard, Power Reverser, MFWD, 540/1000 PTO, Mid Tire Width, 103 Hrs., #156813 .................................................................................$42,900 JD 5075E 2020, Standard, Cab, Power Reverser, MFWD, 540 PTO, Mid Tire Width, Loader Ready, 36 Hrs., #165329 ........................................................... $44,900 Kubota M5-111 2018, Standard, Cab, Power Reverser, MFWD, 540 PTO, Mid Tire Width, Loader, 1740 Hrs., #182142...................................................................$48,900 JD 5075E 2020, Standard, Cab, Power Reverser, MFWD, 540 PTO, Mid Tire Width, Loader, 61 Hrs., #165325...................................................................... $51,900 JD 5075E 2020, Standard, Cab, Power Reverser, MFWD, 540 PTO, Mid Tire Width, Loader, 50 Hrs., #163203.......................................................................$51,900 JD 5100E 2019, Standard, Cab, Power Reverser, MFWD, 540 PTO, Mid Tire Width, 163 Hrs., #182552 .................................................................................$55,000 JD 5075M/Loader 2019, Standard, Cab, Partial Power Shift, MFWD, 540/1000 PTO, Mid Tire Width, Loader, 211 Hrs., #156690 .............................................$71,900 JD 6430 Premium 2008, Standard, Cab, Partial Power Shift, MFWD, 540/1000 PTO, Mid Tire Width, Loader, 2786 Hrs., #182967 ...........................................$72,900 JD 6105R 2013, Standard, Cab, Power Reverser, MFWD, 540/1000 PTO, Mid Tire Width, Loader, 1800 Hrs., #182294...................................................................$73,900
Visit one of our 17 locations in Central Minnesota! CALL (7) = ALEXANDRIA (9) = PRINCETON (12) = AITKIN (4) = ST. CLOUD (1) = GLENCOE 4561 Hwy. 212
1035 35th Ave. NE
(2) = HOWARD LAKE (5) = GLENWOOD 5845 Keats Ave. SW
1710 N. Franklin
(3) = STEWART
(6) = SAUK CENTRE
78412 Co. Rd. 20
1140 Centre St.
320-763-4220 5005 Co. Rd. 82 SE
3708 Baptist Church Rd.
(8) = PAYNESVILLE
16069 Hwy. 27 E.
725 Lake Ave. S.
1120 2nd St. NW
(10) = LITTLE FALLS (13) = BAXTER (11) = WADENA 62505 US Hwy. 10
7045 Foley Rd.
TODAY! (320)365-1653 (14) = ELBOW LAKE
(16) = BENSON
(15) = MORRIS
(17) = MADISON
110 2nd St. NE
23604 State Hwy. 9
380 Atlantic Ave. 516 1st St. E
SEE OUR COMPLETE INVENTORY WITH PICTURES AND DESCRIPTIONS AT: www.mmcjd.com
Page 22 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021
DO YOU HAVE AN UPCOMING AUCTION? Advertise It In The
DAIRY ST R
Call (320) 352-6303 for more information.
Could a retrofit be the right fit for you?
ConƟnued from MUENSTER | Page 20 Muenster is exploring several options as to what the farm’s future might look like, and a shift from dairy to beef is a possibility. “I like the market trends for beef which point to on-farm direct purchases remaining strong,” Muenster said. “I’ve always been interested in cheese production, too, but there’s only so many hours in the day.” The Muensters started crossbreeding to beef last year. Previously, they bought beef cattle to nish but will soon be taking that process from start to nish and selling quarters and halves. The Muensters have plans to turn their parlor ofce into a storefront. Expanding the beef operation and providing more grazing structure for beef cattle is also on Muenster’s wish list. The Muensters no longer use A.I. breeding. Instead, all animals are bred by bulls with three breeds in the rotation – Milking Shorthorn, Holstein and Jer-
“I learned a lot working somewhere else. But I also like being with the cows every day.” BRITTANY MUENSTER, DAIRY FARMER
Retrofitting a dairy barn for the addition of robots has been a popular choice to make upgrades more affordable than they would be when building new.
Find out today! SCAN HERE
sey/Angus cross. Once an all-registered Holstein herd, the Muensters are slowly moving away from purebreds. “We’re not following up with registrations since we downsized, but we still have a lot of good genetics,” Muenster said. The change in reproductive strategy has been successful, yielding lower costs and higher pregnancy rates. The Muensters also raise bulls to sell for breeding and would like to start selling beef bulls as well. “We used to be a big dairy using activity monitors, ovsynch, etc., and now we’ve gone back to our roots,” Muenster said. “As milk prices uctuated, it was hard to manage all of that. We had over a 100-pound herd average. It’s lower now but our costs are signicantly less. Removing labor and breeding expenses are a big contributor to that.” The changes made are ones Muenster feels are good for the farm. As she joins her father on the farm full time with no outside distractions, Muenster looks forward to the promising prospects that lie ahead.
Connect with a DeLaval representative today to see if a retrofit is the right fit for you.
Blue Hilltop, Inc.
www.delaval.com
Your Mixer, Spreader, Hay Processor Headquarters We carry:
Contact one of the following dealers to learn more: IOWA Prairie Land Ag Supply Inc. Rock Valley, IA 712-476-9290 United Dairy Systems, Inc. West Union, IA 563-422-5355 WISCONSIN Advanced Dairy/Bob’s Dairy Supply Spring Valley, WI 715-772-3201 Ederer Dairy Supply Plain, WI 608-546-3713 DeLaval Dairy Service Kaukauna, WI 866-335-2825
Joe’s Refrigeration Inc. Withee, WI 715-229-2321 Mlsna Dairy Supply Inc. Cashton, WI 608-654-5106 Professional Dairy Services Arlington, WI 608-635-0267 Redeker Dairy Equipment Brandon, WI 920-346-5579 The Scharine Group Inc. Whitewater, WI 800 472-2880 Mt Horeb, WI 800-872-3470
MINNESOTA & SOUTH DAKOTA D&D Ag Supply Pennock, MN 320-599-4466
www.rotomix.com LLC
Dana Berreau
507-879-3593 / 800-821-7092 Box 116, Lake Wilson, MN 56151
East Central Dairy Supply Mora, MN 320-679-1029 Farm Systems Melrose, MN 320-256-3276 Watertown, SD 605-886-7401 Sioux Falls, SD 800-284-0015 S&S Dairy System LLC St. Charles, MN 507-932-4288 Professional Dairy Systems Wadena, MN 218-632-5416
is a registered trademark of Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. and “DeLaval” is a registered trade/servicemark of DeLaval Holding AB © 2021 DeLaval Inc. DeLaval, 11100 North Congress Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64153-1296. Nothing in this document shall constitute a warranty or guaranty of performance. www.delaval.com
Hydrostatic & Hydraulic Repair
• Repair & Sales • Troubleshooting • Hose Assemblies
• Design • Service Calls • Cylinders
Skidsteer Attachments For Sale www.stoens.com
16084 State Hwy. 29 • Glenwood, MN 56334
320-634-4360
Toll Free 866-634-4360
Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • Page 23
A legendairy day on the farm Girl Scouts earn badges at Haag Family Dairy By Danielle Nauman danielle.n@dairystar.com
DANE, Wis. – As each generation of Americans become further removed from production agriculture, it becomes increasingly important for farmers to share the story of how food is produced. Alice in Dairyland Julia Nunes and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin have been
working to connect with Girl Scouts from the Madison-area Badgerland Council through a series of events designed to teach urban Girl Scouts more about the dairy industry and food production in general. Throughout the past school year, Nunes has conducted virtual classes geared toward relating the Girl Scouts’ program pillars to the dairy industry, teaching lessons on sustainability, science, nancial literacy, entrepreneurship, civic engagement and advocacy. There were 54 girls who participated in the program
DANIELLE NAUMAN/DAIRY STAR
Kaitlin Konder, an associate insurance officer with Compeer Financial in Glenwood City, Wisconsin, spoke to the Girl Scouts about nancial literacy, entrepreneurship and running a business May 15 at Haag Family Dairy near Dane, Wisconsin.
DANIELLE NAUMAN/DAIRY STAR
Fresh mozzarella curds are stretched in a demonstra�on by Beth Crave of Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese in Waterloo, Wisconsin. Each girl was given a kit by Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese to take home and try the process on their own.
HAY & FORAGE, STALK CHOPPERS
T BES UES VAL
TRACTORS Allis Chalmers 200 Platform, 2wd, Diesel, w/Loader & Bucket Case IH 695, FWA, Diesel Utility Tractor, 4,877 Hours, 2255 Loader & Bucket Case IH 600 Quad Track Tractor, 2013, 1,200 Hours Massey Ferguson 1740m, Cab, Compact Tractor w/Loader, 65 Hrs. McCormick Cx90 Cab Tractor, 2009, FWA, 1,100 Hrs, QL140 Loader, 83” Bucket
COMBINES & HEADS
Gleaner S97 Combine, 2018, 20.8r42 Duals, 1001 Sep, Gleaner S77 Combine, 2012 Duals, 1,670 Sep, 2373 E. Hrs Gleaner R75 Combine, 2004 Duals, 1982 Sep, 2,719 E, Very Nice Combine Gleaner R62 Combine, 2001 With Lateral Tilt. 1,697 Sep, 2,119 E. Hrs. Gleaner R62 Combine, 1996 Singles Gleaner 8200-20 Flex Head Gleaner 8000-20 Flex Head Lateral Tilt, 2005 Gleaner 500-20 Flex Head, R Mounts, Needs Work, Sold As Is Gleaner Hugger 630R Corn Head, 2002 Gleaner 3000 630R Corn Head, 2008 Gleaner 3000 630R Corn Head, 2012 Gleaner 3000 830R Corn Head, 2004 Gleaner 313 w/Renn 5 Belt Pickup Header, Will Fit Newer LTL Combines Harvestec 4308C Cutter Corn Head, 8row 30” Gl Mounts Harvestec 4308C Cutter Corn Head, 8 Row 30” JD Mount Harvestec 4308C Cutter Corn Head, 8 Row 30” NH/Case IH Mount, ‘08
SKIDS, TRACK LOADERS, & EXCAVATORS
Bobcat S750 Skid Steer, 2015, Cab, AC, 2 Speed, H/F Controls Bobcat T595 Track Loader, 2018, Cab, AC, 2-Speed, H/F Controls, 606 Hrs. Bobcat 341 Excavator, 2000 w/3’ Bucket, Cab w/Heat Bobcat V623 Telehandler, 2003 w/Pallet Forks & 90” Bucket, 1,180 Hrs. Deere 320e Skid Steer, Cab, AC, 2-Speed, Power Attach, 4,400 Hrs. Hesston L10 Skid Loader Mustang 2054 Skid Steer, Cab w/Heat, Single Spd., Manual Unv. Attach Mustang 1750RT Track Loader, 2018, Pilot Controls, 2 Spd., 76 Hrs. Mustang 2700v Skid Steer, 2013, Cab, AC, 2 Spd., 3,314 Hrs.
TILLAGE/FIELD CULTIVATORS
with Nunes that earned patches to commemorate what they learned about the dairy industry through the program pillars. “For me, teaching these classes was a lot of fun,” Nunes said. “I enjoyed the interaction and the connections I was able to make with these girls, teaching them about the dairy industry and how science plays a role in our food production.” Badgerland Council Girl Scouts and their families were invited to the Haag
Wil-Rich 5830 43’ Chisel Plow DMI Ecolo-Tiger 730B 7 Shank, Straight Front Coulters, Closing Disc Sunflower 4511-11 Shank Disc Chisel, 2014, Low Acres
Case 600 Forage Blower, Light Use, Older Unit In Good Shape John Deere 582 Silage Special Round Baler, 4x5, 19,434 Bales New Idea 5212 Mower Conditioner Massey Ferguson 2250 3x3 Square Baler, 2016, Approx 30K Bales New Holland BR7070 Round Baler, 10,000 Bales, Crop Cutter New Holland RB560 2017, Round Baler, 1,176 Bales, Like New New Holland 658 Round Baler Vermeer 504N Round Baler Krone BP4x4XC 4x4 Large Square Baler, 2012, 19,000 Bales Krone Swadro 810 Rotary Rake, 2-Point Mount H&S BF8H 8 Wheel Bi-Fold Hydraulic Fold H&S HC12 High Cap. Wheel Rake w/Center Kicker John Deere 946 Mower Conditioner, 2-Point Mount, 2013 Art’s Way 240c Stalk Chopper, 2015, 20’ Witdth, Low Acres
ROW CROP, DRILLS & SPRAYERS
Hardi Navigator 4000 2012 90’ Boom,120” axle, 5500 rate Controller Hardi Navigator 1000M w/60’ Boom, Foam, Flush N Rinse, Chem. Inductor Great Plains YP1225-24 Twin Row 30” Planter, Finger Pick-Up. 400 Gal LF White 8516 16-Row 30” Planter Central Fill, 600 Gal. Lq Fert.
GRAIN CARTS & WAGONS
Gehl Forage Box BU960 Forage Box H&S 7+4 Twin Auger 16 Forage Box, 612 H&S Gear H&S 16’ Forage Box w/612 Gear, Model XL99 H&S 16’ Forage Box w/612 Gear, Model XL99 H&S 501 16’ Forage Box With 612 Gear Notch 10-Ton Running Gear & 9x16 Wood Flat Rack. 9.5L-15 Tires J&M 750 Grain Cart, Green, 30.5 Diamond Tires, Roll Tarp, 16” Auger Brent 470 Grain Cart Brent 880 Grain Cart w/Diamond Tires, Roll Tarp, Scale Ready
Family Dairy in Dane for “A Legendairy Day in Wisconsin Dairy” May 15. The Scouts not only learned about the importance of dairy in the diet as well as the role dairy plays in the Wisconsin economy, but also dairy production. They learned from women who are leaders within the industry. “It is so important for us as dairy farmers to tell that story and connect with these girls who will be not only future consumers but also future
leaders in our society,” said John Haag, who operates Haag Family Dairy with his family. The on-farm event was hosted by the Haags in conjunction with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, and had been planned for last summer. The Haags also partner with local Girl Scouts troops, donating milk to area food pantries in conjunction with the annual sale of Girl Scout Cookies. Turn to BADGES | Page 25
CHIPPEWA FALLS FFA/FFA ALUMNI
PANCAKE BREAKFAST & Silent Auction
Sunday, June 6, 2021
• 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Columbus Association Hall (236 Pumphouse Rd. • Chippewa Falls, WI Adults: $8 • Children (5-12): $4 • Children under 5: Free
Menu: Pancakes, eggs, sausage, sweet rolls, milk, coffee and orange juice. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING FFA
For more information call Lynn at 715-568-1672 or email ef.ffa.alumni@gmail.com
MANURE SPREADERS
New Idea 3632 Spreader H&S 5126 Topshot Manure Spreader, 19Lx16.1 Tires, 2011 Knight Pro Twin Slinger 8040 Spreader, 28L-26 Tires
GRAIN EQUIPMENT Good Selection Of Used Augers
MISCELLANEOUS
3,000 Gallon Fertilizer Tank, Vertical Lorenz 66” Dual Paddle 3-Point Snowblower, 2020, Hyd. Chute, & Def. Virnig 96” Hydraulic Angle Broom, New Brushes. Westendorf WL-42 All-Matic Loader w/White Tractor Mounts Consign Bush Hog HTDH5 3-Pt Finish Mower W. Anti Scalp Roller, 2020, 15 Hrs. Use King Cutter Cat1 3-Point Middle Buster Mahindra 60” Mid-Mount Mower Deck (Came Off Max 26 Xlt), Like New Art’s Way 7’ 3-Point Rotary Cutter Landpride AFM4214 Batwing Finish Mower, 14’ Pull Type John Deere 72“ Sand Shooter (Mench M115) Frontier RB2060 3-Pt Grader Blade, 5’ w/Manual Tilt & Angle Walco Pallet Fork 3700# Skid Mount Meyer 80” Skid Steer Mount Snowpusher, (Has Rubber Edge)
38241 County 6 Blvd. Goodhue, MN 55027
(651) 923-4441
On Farm Service New & Used Equipment
Agromatic • Alber’s • Badger • Berg Freudenthal • Hanson • J&D Manufacturing MiraFount • N-Tech Pasture Mat • Ritchie • Loyal-Roth • Trioliet • VES • Weaverline • Zabel
www.chippewafarmservice.com 715-382-5400 16570 Co Hwy O • Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Page 24 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021
HERE FOR YOUR ANIMALS & YOU
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Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • Page 25
ConƟnued from BADGES | Page 23 “This was a great way to get these girls on the farm, so that they can learn rst-hand what a working dairy farm is like and what the dairy industry is all about,” Nunes said. “I enjoyed spending time in a face-to-face teaching environment, which is something that has not happened a lot this past year.” The participants visited stations that included information on veterinary care, general cow and calf care, milking systems, dairy cow nutrition and feedstuffs, cheesemaking, agricultural nancing and entrepreneurship, the importance of dairy in the diet and a station pairing cheeses with Girl Scout Cookies. For Babette Lousch, 12, of Sun
Prairie, who attended the event with her mother, the on-farm program was her rst real exposure to being on a dairy farm. “I am reaching an age where I am starting to think about what I maybe want to do when I am older,” Lousch said. “This is a great way to learn more about what potential careers might be out there. Plus, I love animals, and I am really excited to see the cows.” Lousch said participating in the program to earn the dairy badge is one way she can learn about new things she might not otherwise be exposed to. “Completing the requirements for the badge do not take a lot of time and the things you learn are usually pretty
DANIELLE NAUMAN/DAIRY STAR
Rose Johnson, a dairy consultant with Furst-McNess in DeForest, Wisconsin, works as the nutriƟonist at Haag Family Dairy. She explained to the Girl Scouts how she uses math and science every day to create the recipe the Haags use to feed their cows.
DANIELLE NAUMAN/DAIRY STAR
Alice in Dairyland Julia Nunes shows a patch Girl Scouts earned aŌer parƟcipating in the ‘A Legendairy Day in Wisconsin Dairy’ program May 15 at Haag Family Dairy near Dane, Wisconsin. Over the past year, Nunes has taught Girl Scouts from the Madison-area Badgerland Council about the dairy industry and where their food comes from.
fun,” Lousch said. The Girl Scouts who participated in the on-farm program were able to earn a dairy badge in addition to the patches earned by those who participated in Nunes’ virtual classes. Nunes said plans are in the works for another round of virtual classes that
she will teach during the next school year, and plans are underway to make the on-farm program an annual event. “Working with these girls and seeing a light bulb go off when they make a connection to the dairy industry and how food produced is so rewarding,” Nunes said.
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Time to report crops to FSA Page 26 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021
By Steve Frericks
County Executive Director Stearns County FSA Office
Get ahead of the rush: Schedule an appointment now Farmers have made signicant progress getting this year’s crop in the ground. Now, we need some heat and a few timely rains. If planting is complete, now is the time to schedule an appointment to certify crops. The 2020 production year with all the programs generated is a classic example as to why it is benecial to report acreage. If a producer has acquired land, a copy of the lease or recorded deed should be provided to the Farm Service Agency ofce to update records. This saves signicant time during the reporting process. If maps need to be mailed, contact a local FSA ofce. FSA has started a multi-year process of updating farm operating plans on form FSA-902. Many can accomplish this task when reporting crops.
Below are a few items to assist with the crop reporting process. All producers are encouraged to contact their local FSA ofce for more information on the nal planting date for specic crops. The nal planting dates vary by crop, planting period and county. Contact a local FSA ofce for a list of county-specic planting deadlines. The timely planting of a crop, by the nal planting date, may prevent loss of program benets. If you want to use the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program organic price and selected the organic option on the NAP application, crops must be reported as organic. When certifying organic acres, the buffer zone acreage must be included in the organic acreage. A current organic plan, organic certicate or documentation from a certifying agent indicating an organic plan is in effect must be provided. Documentation must include: name of certied individuals, address, telephone number, effective date of
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certication, certicate number, list of commodities certied, name and address of certifying agent and a map showing the specic location of each eld of certied organic, including the buffer zone acreage. Certication exemptions are available for producers whose annual gross agricultural income from organic sales totals $5,000 or less. Although exempt growers are not required to provide a written certicate, they are required to provide a map showing the specic location of each eld of certied organic, transitional and buffer zone acreage. File a notice of loss for failed, prevented planted acres Report prevented planting and failed acres in order to establish or retain FSA program eligibility for some programs. Report the crop acreage that was intended to plant but, due to natural disaster, was prevented from planting. Prevented planting acreage must be reported on form CCC-576, Notice of Loss, no later than 15 calendar days after the nal planting date as established by FSA and Risk Management Agency. The nal planting date varies by crop and county. If the prevented planting acreage is not able to be reported within the 15 calendar days following the nal planting date, a late-led report can be submitted. Late-led reports will only be accepted if FSA conducts a farm visit to assess the eligible disaster condition that prevented the crop from being planted. A measurement service fee will be charged. For hand-harvested crops and certain perishables, the FSA must be notied of damage or loss through the administrative county ofce within 72 hours of the date of damage or loss rst becomes apparent. This notication can be provided by ling a CCC576, email, fax or phone. For losses on crops covered by the Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, a Notice of Loss must be led within 15 days of the occurrence of the disaster or when losses become apparent. A timely Notice of Loss for failed acres on all crops including grasses must be led. Farmers.gov feature helps producers nd farm loans Farmers and ranchers can use the Farm Loan Discovery Tool on farmers.gov to nd information on USDA farm loans that may best t their operations. FSA offers a variety of loan options to help farmers nance their operations. From buying land to nancing the purchase of equipment, FSA loans can help. Farmers who are looking for nancing options to operate a farm or buy land can answer a few simple questions about what they are looking to fund and how much money they need to borrow. After submitting their answers, farmers will receive information on farm loans that best t their specic needs. Farmers can download application quick guides that outline what to expect from preparing an application to receiving a loan decision. There are four guides that cover loans to individuals, entities and youth as well as information on microloans. The guides include eligibility requirements and a list of required forms and documentation for each type of loan. These guides can help farmers prepare before their rst visit with a loan ofcer. Farmers can access the information by visiting www.farmers.gov/fund and clicking the “Start” button. The Farm Loan Discovery Tool is one of many resources on farmers.gov to help connect farmers to information that can help their operations. Earlier this year, USDA launched the My Financial Information feature, which enables farmers to view their loan information, history, payments and alerts by logging into the website. In addition to the interactive farm loan features, the site also offers a Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool. Farmers can visit farmers.gov/recover/disasterassistance-tool#step-1 to nd disaster assistance programs that can help their operation recover from natural disasters. For more information, contact a USDA Service Center or visit farmers.gov. Farm Service Agency is an Equal Opportunity Lender. Complaints about discrimination should be sent to: Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250. Visit the Farm Service Agency Web site at: www.fsa.usda.gov/ for necessary application forms and updates on USDA programs.
Why do you do it? Every so often, someone asks me about why I give farm tours. “Wouldn’t you rather be doing something else for yourself or your family?” “You have spent years doing this, isn’t it time to relax when you get out of the barn?” I can honestly say I love being an advocate for agriculture. I enjoy sharing our farm with others and educating visitors about our life as farmers. It is emotionally rewarding to see our guests appreciate all the work we do, and they feel our passion when they are getting licked by the cows and sucked on by By Tina Hinchley the calves. Farmer & Columnist There is a moment on every tour when someone nally understands something that they wondered about for many years. Today, on the tour I hosted, the family was local, and they never understood what a silo is used for. They wanted to know more and more about how things work. The gears in their heads were turning, and the questions were so much fun to answer. As the tractors move about the farm, loading and mixing feed, the children are mesmerized. Some of these little guys and gals can name every type of tractor, and they even have the toy versions parked in their own little farm landscapes. The one nger touch of a chick is softer than anything they have ever felt. They all whisper and talk softly around the baby animals. And when they get to hold a chicken all by themselves the pride beams from their eyes as photos are taken. These are the best of times for all of us. I am thankful I can give them my time and patience. But with the many great tours and fun times, there can also be the person who makes me say to myself, “Why do I do this?” The person can be sarcastic, rude and heckle or dispute what I have said. There have been animal activists on our farm. They use their opinions to try to turn the conversation to things they have seen or heard online. They try to steal the conversation to say that what we do with our cows is cruel and inhumane. It makes the others in the group uncomfortable as they challenge me. I try to not feed into their conversation, and I have asked
Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • Page 27
a couple to leave. One disrespectful group of summer campers will not be welcomed back to our farm. This past Saturday, I had to cancel a tour. I had a heifer do the splits, and it was not a pretty sight. As farmers, we know it is not an easy situation. How to get this heifer out of the freestall barn and into a comfortable spot is not something I want to show anyone. It is hard and emotional on all of us as we try to help her so she might have a chance to recuperate with hobbles. Bloody knees and hocks are not the image to share, and I denitely do not want anyone to take photos. As it turned out, when I called to cancel, I felt that the woman on the phone was one who could have made me ask why I do this. She was upset that I needed to cancel the tour, and she didn’t understand why she could not come. She listened to me as I gave her the scenario. When I stopped speaking, she was
dead silent on the phone except for her slurping on her drink through her straw. I offered to give her a free tour the next day. Silence again. I told her I was not comfortable and would do what I could to reschedule. More slurping, but she didn’t say anything. It was clear she was gathering her thoughts to argue with me, insisting she should be able to come for a tour. In the end, she did not come for a tour, and we were both better off to care for our priorities for the day. So, while I enjoy tours immensely, they do not occur without challenges. I will, however, continue to educate consumers about the dairy industry and what we do on our farm. For that, after all, is why I do it. Tina Hinchley, and her husband, Duane, daughter Anna, milk 240 registered Holsteins with robots. They also farm 2300 acres of crops near Cambridge, Wisconsin. The Hinchley’s have been hosting farm tour for over 25 years.
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Page 28 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021 Dana Adams, adam1744@umn.edu 320-204-2968 Joe Armstrong armst225@umn.edu 612.624.3610 Luciano Caixeta lcaixeta@umn.edu 612-625-3130 Gerard Cramer gcramer@umn.edu 612-625-8184 Marcia Endres miendres@umn.edu 612-624-5391 Joleen Hadrich jhadrich@umn.edu 612-626-5620 Les Hansen hanse009@umn.edu 612-624-2277 Brad Heins hein0106@umn.edu 320-589-1711 Nathan Hulinsky huli0013@umn.edu 320-203-6104 Kevin Janni kjanni@umn.edu 612-625-3108 Karen Johnson ande9495@umn.edu 320-484-4334 Emily Krekelberg krek0033@umn.edu 507-280-2863 Claire LaCanne lacanne@umn.edu 507-332-6109 Brenda Miller nels4220@umn.edu 320-732-4435 Erin Royster royster@umn.edu Isaac Salfer ijsalfer@umn.edu 320-296-1357 Jim Salfer salfe001@umn.edu 320-203-6093 Mike Schutz mschutz@umn.edu 612-624-1205 Melissa Wison mlw@umn.edu 612-625-4276
www.extension.umn.edu/dairy
Drug residue prevention for dairy, beef producers By Jessica Evans1, Sandy Larson1, Nicole Neeser1 & Joe Armstrong2 1
Minnesota Department of Agriculture Drug Residue Prevention Program 2 University of Minnesota Extension, Cattle Production Systems
What is antibiotic stewardship? We encourage farmers to think of the stewardship concept as taking great care of. Many farms already have great residue prevention and antibiotic stewardship measures in place. However, like any business, there is always room for improvement. Here are some practices we encourage farmers to consider when determining if they have good antibiotic stewardship: – Providing proper bedding, ventilation, nutrition, water and housing so animals remain healthy and antibiotics are not needed. – Using antibiotics only when necessary to address a health issue in an animal. – Paying close attention to withholding times so milk or meat with residues above tolerance levels do not enter the human food supply. By using these practices, farmers are taking great care of their animals, minimizing their use of antibiotics and reducing the potential for drug residues. What types of services do dairy, meat inspectors perform? Dairy inspectors: – Conduct on-farm inspections of dairy operations, including animal health, cleanliness, drug storage and labeling practices, and safe milk handling. – Inspect processing facilities. Meat inspectors: – Inspect slaughter and processing facilities to ensure animals are handled humanely and food is produced in a safe and hygienic manner. – Sample both suspect and random carcasses to test for drug residue violations during slaughter inspections. – Oversee processing activities that have meat as an ingredient. If a producer has a residue violation, what happens next? When a drug residue is identied in milk, specic actions are taken to ensure this adulterated milk is not used to make dairy products for human consumption. Producers receive a notice of violation from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and cannot sell milk until their milk is cleared by testing negative. Producers are required to pay for the cost of the milk that is disposed of. They also must complete a training on drug residue prevention practices and meet with both the MDA dairy inspector and Drug Residue Prevention Program outreach veterinarian on a farm visit. Producers that sell an animal with a detected meat residue will receive a warning letter from the Food and Drug Administration, and an on-farm visit to review records and collect information on the cause of a residue. The names of violators with two or more violations in a 12-month period are posted on a United States Department of Agriculture repeat violators list. The repeat violators list is used as a reference for meat processors and livestock markets to determine whether or not future animals from that producer are at higher risk of a residue detection. The FDA may also prohibit producers found to have been neglectful or who fail to adequately prevent residues, from selling animals for meat. To satisfy the requirements of their food safety plan, meat processing facilities may avoid purchasing animals from farmers with multiple published violations. Some processors may also place a violator on probation for a time after the rst violation. During this time, they may require the violator to attest that each animal shipped to the facility is free of medications and include supporting documentation from the violator and/or their veterinarian.
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What is the Drug Residue Prevention Program? The DRPP conducts many outreach visits with livestock producers. Most of these are conducted in conjunction with milk residue violations. During these visits, either Dr. Erik Jopp or Dr. Sandy Larson will attend in partnership with the inspector and serve in the role of outreach veterinarian. Producers can also sign up for an on-farm consultation to proactively prevent residues. During the on-farm visit, the outreach veterinarian will be available to provide subject matter expertise on veterinary drug use on farms, recordkeeping, withdrawal times, testing and other related topics. The outreach veterinarian will also have resources available, such as the MDA’s record-keeping booklet and factsheets, and provide customized recommendations for drug residue prevention practices. After the visit, the outreach veterinarian will often send a letter to recap the discussion that was held during the visit and share any additional answers to questions that might have been raised. MDA’s residue prevention team also conducts outreach at events such as conferences, state and county fairs, and provides instruction to and teaching resources for 4-H and FFA participants, and elementary through graduate level students. Additionally, the program is expanding efforts to develop online trainings and videos. If producers have questions, they can reach out to any of the DRPP team members listed on the MDA website. We remind producers not to use us in place of their farm veterinarians, but we are here to answer questions and provide recommendations that will help strengthen the veterinary-client-patient relationship. Producers can visit the DRPP website for more information on who we are, what our program does and to view our library of resources. Being proactive is the best way to prevent future residues and signing up for an on-farm visit with an outreach veterinarian is a great place to start. Feel free to reach out to any of the team members listed on the website to sign up for a farm visit: www.mda.state.mn.us/residue-prevention. Producers can follow the 5 R’s to prevent drug residues: Relationships: Develop good relationships with people involved in the process. Establish a good veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Review veterinary recommendations with employees and family members who work on the farm. Provide employees and family members with regular training on the prevention of milk residues as well as farm protocols for handling animals that have been treated. Responsible use: Use and handle veterinary drugs responsibly. Minimize use of veterinary drugs to times when they are medically necessary. Store veterinary drugs for lactating and non-lactating animals separately to prevent mix-ups. Store medicated feeds in a way that would prevent accidental use. Properly label and store over the counter, prescription and extra-label drugs, including information with appropriate milk and meat withdrawal times. Develop animal treatment protocols with the help of the farm veterinarian. Recordkeeping: Maintain good records to document treatments. Use a good system to identify individual animals. Maintain a recordkeeping system to document all treatments given. Identify the animal before it is treated. Record the treatment before it is administered. Keep treatment records for at least three years. Respect withdrawal times, usage limitations: Use only veterinary drugs that are approved by the FDA for use in the species and animal class you are treating. Use the drug only as the FDA label species unless your veterinarian prescribes the drug for extra-label drug usage. Follow withdrawal periods set by the drug manufacturers and your veterinarian. Remove doubt: Test milk from treated, fresh and newly purchased cows for drug residues before commingling into the bulk tank. Test bulk tank prior to leaving farm, every day, every time. Review treatment records prior to selling an animal or milk.
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More food for thought on precision dairy technology
Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • Page 29
There I go again – talking about dairy technology. It has been a topic of research and outreach for our team in recent years and keeps getting more interesting every day with new technologies and applications in the dairy sector. I am also excited about our Precision Dairy Conference. It is only about a month away, and we are striving to be a neutral space where many technologies come together to be discussed and learned about. Producers, consultants, veterinarians, industry representatives and researchers are all part of the program, which is end-user focused this year. Even though the in-person capacity is limited due to pandemic restrictions, the virtual experience will be unique as you will be able to see the presenters in the room as they present and are recorded live. In addition, there will be 30 minutes of audience discussion during each session, which provides an opportunity for many experiences to be shared. If you cannot attend all the virtual By Marcia Endres live streaming sessions as they are happening, you can come back University of MN later to watch the recording of all presentations and audience discussions. For more details, visit precisiondairy.umn.edu.
Recent analysis on individual cow data collected from robotic milking systems One of the advantages of automation technologies, such as robotic milking systems, is the large amount of data collected about each cow as she enters the milking box. The data can be used by researchers to better understand cows and to potentially provide insight to companies for continuous improvement of algorithms that help producers monitor their herds. We are grateful to dairy producers in Minnesota and Wisconsin who were willing to share their data with us. Both of the studies discussed below are chapters of my graduate student Mateus Peiter’s thesis. He graduated last month and is working for Cargill Digital Solutions. We collaborated with Hannah Phillips for the rumination time study and with Luciano Caixeta for the body weight change study. A brief recap on the relationship between rumination time after calving, milk production We used peak milk yield as a measure of overall lactation production which has a strong positive correlation with 305-day milk production. Lactation peak milk yield normally occurs between 45 and 100 days in milk, with rst lactation cows peaking later than older cows. Cows normally ruminate the least amount of time the day of calving, and rumination time increases slowly until stable levels are reached. We found that it took on average six days to reach stable rumination levels after calving, ranging from ve to 12 days. We investigated how the change in daily rumination time in addition to the average daily rumination time over the rst six DIM were associated with peak milk yield. For this study, we collected milk production and rumination data for 4,662 cows from 33 robotic milking system farms. One of the most interesting ndings was that for each 100 minutes per day increase in daily rumination time from one to six DIM, older cows peaked as much as 10.7 pounds higher. However, the same relationship was not found for rst lactation cows. This latter nding becomes important when developing algorithms to monitor cows in the herd. Figure 1 illustrates this nding nicely with no signicant relationship found for the rst lactation cows.
Figure 2. RelaƟonship between percentage body weight change in the rst seven DIM (graph A) and 21 DIM (graph B) and 90-day milk yield by parity (P1=rst lactaƟon; P2=second lactaƟon; P3=third lactaƟon and greater). Conclusion Older cows that ruminate more in the immediate period after calving and that lose up to approximately 5% of body weight during the transition period will generally produce more milk. It was interesting to nd that rumination time and body weight change in the rst seven DIM were not associated with milk production for rst lactation cows. Again, these ndings might be important to keep in mind when developing algorithms to monitor dairy cow health and potential future performance as they should take into account the cow’s lactation number.
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Figure 1. RelaƟonship between change in ruminaƟon Ɵme (graph A) and average ruminaƟon Ɵme (graph B) during the rst six DIM and peak milk yield by parity (P1=rst lactaƟon; P2=second lactaƟon; P3=third lactaƟon and greater). What about change in body weight in early lactation? Most cows enter a state of negative energy balance in early lactation as they cannot consume enough feed to meet the energy requirements for milk production and have to mobilize their body reserves. This is a normal process, especially for cows genetically selected for high milk production. Cows will come back to positive energy balance about 30 days after calving as long as feed access is adequate and the ration is correctly formulated, mixed and delivered. For this study, we investigated the relationship between total milk production per cow over the rst 90 DIM and body weight percentage change compared to the rst seven DIM and 21 DIM for 3,936 cows. Body weight change variables had a quadratic association with 90-day milk yield. Older cows (P2 and P3+) had the greatest estimated 90-day milk yield when they were able to maintain their body weight over the rst week postpartum and when the BW loss over the 21 days after calving was approximately 4% (see Figure 2). In addition, older cows with exacerbated BW loss or BW gain (approx. ± 5% over seven DIM and ± 10% over 21 DIM) experienced a signicant impairment in their 90-day milk yield. Based on our ndings, it seems that cows with the ability to maintain their BW or lose less than approximately 5% of their BW over the transition period (i.e., 21 DIM) are more productive. We did not nd this relationship for rst lactation cows during the rst seven DIM; however, it followed a similar pattern as that for older cows at 21 DIM. However, rst lactation cows that gained BW during the rst 21 DIM had a considerable reduction in 90-day milk yield.
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One day
Page 30 • Dairy Star • May 22, 2021
One day I sat silent in Grandpa’s house And heard voices in my mind Happy laughter of the old Squeals and giggles of young Memories loud with love that’s left behind
One day I laid on the soft grass of an old cemetery And thought about the souls nearby Next to the stones 100 years old I pondered the lives lived, the things seen The world that has passed them by
One day I stood in Grandpa’s yard And listened to the calls of birds Orioles’ cheery songs Grosbeaks’ welcome chirps You can hear “hellos” as if they all have words
One day I visited Gramma’s grave And hugged her as I closed my eyes “Oh gee, oh my, I didn’t know” Her quips still much alive That Gramma of ours, such a prize
One day I walked across Grandpa’s lawn And smelled the owers blooming Lily of the Valley, strong Pink crabapple blossoms, sweet Peonies soon, their promise looming
One day I read the headstone And noted the date still blank Unsaid words, unanswered questions We must be content with those facts He’s ready to go, I must be frank
LIKE NATURE ONLY BETTER
One day I sat with Grandpa Ike And held his hand so tight Woodcutting grip still rm Though skin wrinkled and soft Ramblings from the Ridge We can’t hold him here, try as we might One day I hugged that Grandpa Ike And kissed his smooth, bald head “I love you,” I say “Be good,” he replies I leave before my threatening tears are shed
By Jacqui Davison One day I looked at Columnist Grandpa Ike And asked if he knew how good a wife he had “No one could compare” He answers with a smile and a twinkle He’ll see her soon and he’ll be glad One day I drove down a gravel road And saw a greenhouse sign Gramma took me there once upon a time And Grandpa needed more marigolds, his sunshine They’ll be together, these two, when again the stars align One day I cruised with my window down And took a deep breath of fresh air Life is short, the wise ones say So I’m glad for time with those I love Grateful for the memories and moments we share Jacqui and her family milk 800 cows and run 1,200 acres of crops in the northeastern corner of Vernon County, Wisconsin. Her children, Ira (14), Dane (12), Henry (7) and Cora (4), help her on the farm while her husband, Keith, works on a grain farm. If she’s not in the barn, she’s probably in the kitchen, trailing after little ones, or sharing her passion of reading with someone. Her life is best described as organized chaos – and if it wasn’t, she’d be bored.
Wisconsin to give away cheese prizes for 180th cheesemaking anniversary
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Wisconsin has been making cheese even longer than it’s been a state, and this year marks a big milestone. To celebrate their 180th anniversary of cheesemaking, the dairy farmers and artisan cheesemakers from across Wisconsin have donated their most sought-after creations. One grand prize winner will have the opportunity to custom design their own Grand Towering Cheese Wheel Cake, to be comprised of their preferred selection of enviable Wisconsin Cheeses. On Wednesday, May 26 an entire month of in-store, restaurant and online promotions celebrating Wisconsin Cheese will culminate in a virtual event featuring award-winning cheesemakers, surprise guests, education, musical performances and yes – the chance to win 180 prizes from the State of Cheese®. Tune into the Wisconsin Cheese Facebook or YouTube pages May 26 at 7 p.m. CT to watch the event live. Registration for The Great Wisconsin Cheese Giveaway closes May 25 at 12 p.m. Registration is free and unlimited for this event. Grab your spot today for a chance to win a host of exclusive prizes, including: grand towering cheese wheel cake; World Champion Roth Grand Cru® Surchoix; exclusive, rst taste of Hook’s 15-year aged cheddar before its Fall 2021 release; seasonal shipments of fresh cheese curds from four different makers; assorted gift baskets; quarter wheel of award-winning Marieke Gouda; and limited edition cheese lover’s box. Wisconsin Cheese Ofcial Contest Rules can be found at WisconsinCheese.com/ Contest-Rules.
A few reminders to combat heat stress
Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • Page 31
With seasonal temperatures nally upon us, it is a great time to make sure heat abatement strategies in your farm are up to par. The effects of heat stress are well documented and costly to the dairy farm as they a variety of perSomething to Ruminate On impact formance parameters, including milk yield, growth, lameness, compromised immune systems and reproduction. Temperature humidity index is a metric that combines temperature and relative humidity and is commonly used to evaluate risk of heat stress. High-producing By Barry Visser cows can become heat Nutritionist stressed at a THI of only 68.
Drinking water is essential Providing access to clean, fresh water is critical during summer months. Lactating dairy cows require between 25 and 35 gallons per day. Water intakes may double during periods of heat stress. Provide 3 to 4 inches of linear water space per cow along with a minimum of two water locations per group. Check water ow rates during times of high demand and clean waterers regularly. Availability of clean water to cows leaving the parlor is benecial for increasing water intake during heat stress. It has been documented that cows will drink up to 35% of their daily water needs when returning from the parlor if available. This can be accomplished with temporary, low-cost water options. Return lane waterers should provide 2 feet of linear space for each cow exiting the parlor at one time. For example, a double-16 parlor with one side exiting at a time should have 32 feet of linear water space. Fans, sprinklers It is imperative you rst provide a well-managed heat abatement program with fans and sprinklers that allows the cows to feel comfortable enough that they want to go to the bunk to eat. Four key components of cow cooling are shade, air velocity, water and time. If you haven’t already done so, make sure fans and sprinklers are clean and in good working order. Dust on fan louvers or the shields of basket fans can reduce air output up to 40%. The holding pen is a top priority for heat abatement on most farms. Use soaking systems that provide short, frequent soaking with large droplets. These larger droplets penetrate the hair coat to reach the skin for more effective heat transfer. Combined with air velocity of at least 4 to 6 mph, evaporative cooling will effectively be achieved. Don’t forget the dry cows. Researchers at the University of Florida concluded that minimizing heat
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stress in dry cows is a valuable management tool to improve performance in the next lactation. Results from three consecutive years concluded that cows heat stressed during the dry period will produce, on average, 13 pounds less milk than cows cooled during the dry period. In addition, these studies showed lower immune status and lower calf birthweights from cows exposed to heat stress during the dry period.
Feedbunk, nutritional strategies Certain dietary strategies can be benecial during heat stress, but the biggest impact will come from focusing on forage quality along with forage and feed bunk management. Minimize the amount of time feed is defaced from bunkers or piles. Deliver most of the ration during cooler periods of the day to promote dry matter intake. Intensity of feed push-up and frequency of feeding can encourage more frequent meals and reduce slug feeding that naturally occurs during heat
stress. If feed stability is an issue, consider adding dry propionic acid to the TMR on the hot, humid days. From a nutrition standpoint, no silver bullet perfectly combats heat stress. Benets can be seen by increasing certain minerals, such as potassium, sodium and magnesium; all contribute to an increase in dietary cation-anion difference levels in lactating dairy cows. Research-proven additives to consider during periods of heat stress include additional buffers or salt, yeast, bypass fat, niacin, chromium, Rumensin® and Aspergillus oryzae. Reducing heat stress requires careful consideration of management and nutritional practices. Provide a well-managed cooling system in dairy barns rst and work with a nutrition advisor to look at what feeding strategies and nutritional additives may provide the most economic benets. Barry Visser is a nutritionist for Vita Plus.
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Traditions, continuing the story
Page 32 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021
I can’t believe how quickly and smoothly plant- just to germinate the seed and jump start the hayelds. ing season went this spring. Our only concern has Irrigation pipes are already connected and ready to been the temperatures. Freezing temps deliver water to the pivot points to start at night and highs only in the 40s Just Thinking Out Loud watering the elds. We’re waiting to ip doesn’t make for a warm seed bed, but the switch though. Forecasters are prethe calendar says May and we needed to dicting a change in the weather pattern get rolling. Despite the cool conditions, by the end of the week. Southerly winds Mark took to the elds. By the end of are expected to bring moisture up from the week, all the corn and soybean seeds the Gulf Coast. I hope it has enough were in the ground ready to start growsteam to reach us. We will need to start ing. Now if it will just rain. leaving our bedding straw outside by the While rains have watered many barn door as an incentive for it to rain. parts of the state this month, our sandy My garden can’t wait for the weather ground in central Minnesota is parched. pattern to change. Last night after milkWe have yet to receive more than a half ing, Mark and I strung together a couple By Natalie Schmitt inch of rain in May. This is great for of long hoses from the barn to the garColumnist planting the low spots in the elds but den. We started watering the potatoes, not for germination. This may be our onions and sweet corn we had planted second spring of having to water in May last week to give them a boost out of the
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ground. Of course, starting a new routine takes some time to remember all the steps. This morning as we went out to start milking, I remembered I hadn’t shut off the sprinkler before we went to bed. Water puddles lled the trenches between the rows. Everything was well watered. Now to move the sprinkler to the asparagus patch, rhubarb and grape vines. Despite the lack of moisture, things are starting to bloom and grow around the yard. Apple and wild plum trees look like bridal bouquets. The soft, sweet scent of owering crab trees and the songs of orioles ll the air. The grass is velvety soft beneath my feet. There are no mosquitoes buzzing past my ears. I want to close my eyes and treasure this moment in time. While all these events, sights and sounds personify spring, if I had to pick one that sums up May, it would be peonies. The peonies in my garden have been handed down through the generations along with the traditions and stories of my family. It all started just before the Civil War. My great-great-great grandfather was a pretty good businessman in Philadelphia. The story goes that he recognized the rumblings of war on the horizon, so he sent his son Joseph west to settle land he had purchased in western Illinois. Now I don’t know if Joseph or his wife, Catherine Wallace, brought the peony plants with them at this time but somehow the plants would eventually be grown on their farm. The Civil War came, and even though my family did not ght, they fed the troops through their work on the land. The war ended April 1865, and soldiers returned home to resume their lives. On May 30, 1866, the rst Decoration Day was held to honor the fallen soldiers of the Civil War. Businesses closed their shops and community members decorated the graves with owers and ags. After World War I, Decoration Day evolved to recognize and remember the fallen soldiers of all wars. In 1971, the last Monday in May was declared Memorial Day. Parades, picnics and other celebrations were added to the tradition of decorating the graves as a way of honoring those who sacriced their lives for our freedoms. Even though we had few military men or women in our family, we went to Walnut Grove and Stronghurst cemeteries to decorate the graves of our ancestors. Many of these family members were only known to the younger generations by their gravestones, marking the time of their existence. As a little girl, I remember wrapping empty cans with tin foil to make ower vases. Mom would collect irises, lilacs, peonies and other May owers from her garden in a large bucket of water, then haul all of us to the cemeteries to put together vases of owers to decorate the graves. She would tell us stories about some of our family members. Mom tells the story of holding her breath while Great-Great-Aunt Maude, a 90-year-old maid, held me as a baby, hoping she wouldn’t drop me. I don’t remember Aunt Maude but her story is a part of my story. Every May when my peonies bloom, I am reminded of my family’s traditions and stories through the generations. It makes me stop and think. How will we be remembered? What will we be remembered by? Will the stuff and things we have been collecting over the years be cherished or pitched? Things may come and go, but memories and stories will continue to live and grow throughout the generations. I’m sure my family ancestors didn’t imagine peonies would be the catalyst for their remembrance all these generations later. As their four children pursue dairy careers off the family farm, Natalie and Mark are starting a new adventure of milking registered Holsteins just because they like good cows on their farm north of Rice, Minnesota.
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The month of mayhem
May: the fth month of the year. Mayhem: violent or damaging disorder; chaos. For me, the month of May is one of emotional chaos, characterized by a lot of excess emotions which often materialize in the form of tears. There are tears at reasonable, expected times. For example, at Daphne’s First Communion last Sunday, tears of pride and joy threatened to send my mascara streaming down my cheeks. And there were a lots of tears the week before when the newborn calf I was trying to bottle-feed stepped on my broken toe. Dairy Good Life But there are tears at seemingly unreasonable, unexpected times, too. Like when I went through the pictures from Daphne’s First Communion and found that not a single picture of our family turned out nice. In every photo, somebody either blinked, wasn’t looking at the camera, or wasn’t smiling. And, the most unreasonable of all: last Friday, Tractor Day at school made me cry. The hardest part of having all these excess emotions at unexpected times is understanding where they’re coming from. Why on earth would Tractor Day make me cry? And this is hardly the rst time. I remember dropping Dan off at pre-school, seeing all of the tractors driving into the school parking lot, and then sobbing the whole By Sadie Frericks drive home. I think the intense emotions stem from the Columnist gratitude I feel about living in and raising my kids in a community where agriculture is celebrated, but I hardly believe Tractor Day should completely wreck me. I’ve decided there’s just something about May. As I look back at the years, which is challenging because they seem to y by so fast, I remember past Mays also being lled with excess emotions – not just on Tractor Day. Maybe it’s the sunshine and beautiful weather, the fresh air perfumed by blossoming lilacs and apple trees. These are the days when working outside is the best. The perfect temperatures and longer daylight lure us into thinking that we’ll be able to get so much done that day. And then we don’t, because we overestimated the number of hours in the day. Or our plans got derailed by this, that, and every other thing that came up unexpectedly. One of my favorite denitions of contentment is that it is the sum of our reality minus our expectations. [Reality – Expectations = Contentment]. So when our expectations exceed our reality, we tend to experience the opposite of contentment: dissatisfaction, unrest, and other negative thoughts and feelings. I constantly remind myself to keep my expectations realistic, but those reminders are blunted by the trademark farmers’ hope that surges highest in the month of May. It certainly doesn’t help that the list of things to do in May seems disproportionately larger than other months. Pastures to ready. Crops to plant. Heifers to move. Yards to tidy. Gardens to tend. On top of the extra cows calving and the building project we have underway. Plus, we are lucky to live in a community that offers our kids a wealth of activities to experience – a bunch of which happen in May. But, expectations and to-do lists aside, I’ve felt for the past couple years that there’s something else going that makes May so emotional. Something I can’t put my nger on. This year, I decided to do what I usually do when befuddled: turn to research. For me, understanding why something is happening makes it easier to accept and then nd solutions. In this case, my research led to remarkable insight. Here’s what I found: It’s highly likely that my excess emotions are linked to my seasonal allergies. According to the studies I read, seasonal allergies lead to increased systemic inammation, and inammation leads to sleep disturbances and mood disorders. This makes so much sense, I can hardly believe I am only discovering the connection now. Since at least middle school, I have been aficted by seasonal allergies each spring. It never occurred to me that what was happening in my sinuses was having an impact on my mood. The studies on seasonal allergies and mood disorders also linked the pollen-heavy spring season to increased rates of suicide and suicide attempts. Seasonal allergies, the study said, are not the only cause of suicidal behavior, but they should be considered a signicant contributor. Which is quite possibly why May is Mental Health Awareness Month. So let me remind you: Everyone should be aware of their own mental health and the mental health of those around them. Do you – or someone you love – seem to have a lot of intense emotions right now? It’s essential to ask why. Our mental health often has biological causes that we can address. One nal thought: Whenever I would ask my physical therapist if my increased shoulder pain was from X, Y, or Z, she would always say, “It’s probably a combination of all of those things.” I’ve decided that “a combination of all of those things” is likely the appropriate explanation for my increased emotions this month, as well. As easy and freeing as it feels to blame my emotional intensity on my allergies, it would be unrealistic to ignore the mental and emotional impact of May’s mile-long list of things to do and my unrealistic expectations about getting it all done. So, going forward, I am going to be more accepting of May’s emotional mayhem. And I am denitely going to do some additional research on managing my allergies. But I am also going to continue looking for ways to keep my expectations realistic and my workload manageable. There’s hope for happier Mays. Sadie and her husband, Glen, milk 100 cows near Melrose, Minnesota. They have three children – Dan, 13, Monika, 11, and Daphne, 7. Sadie also writes a blog at www.dairygoodlife.com. She can be reached at sadiefrericks@gmail.com.
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Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • Page 33
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Page 34 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021
Wisconsin celebrates June Dairy Month
Beef, Brews and Moo’s, May 29 Stop in to Heart of the North Brewing Company for Beef, Brews, and Moos 2.0 May 29 in Ladysmith, Wisconsin. Join the Rusk County Dairy and Beef Promoters to celebrate May Beef Month and June Dairy Month. Free samples of delicious cheese and beef cuts - including many of your favorites from last fall. Visit with local farmers and learn more about beef and dairy production. Sponsored by Rusk County Dairy and Beef Promoters. Green County Breakfast on the Farm, May 29 The event will take place from 6 to 10 a.m. at the Green County Fairgrounds, 2600 10th St. Monroe, Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.greencountyagchest. com/breakfast-on-the-farm. Barron County Dairy Breakfast, 2021 The 2021 June Dairy Breakfast in Barron County will take place June 5. Breakfast will be served from 6 to 11 a.m. Hosting the breakfast this year is the Ben and Sandee Kraft family at Hillsdale Dairy, 815 14 1/2 St. Barron, Wisconsin. 2021 Iowa County Dairy Breakfast, June 5 The Iowa County Dairy Promotion Committee welcomes attendees to the Iowa County drive thru dairy breakfast June 5 at the Iowa County Fairgrounds, 815 Fair Street in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. A $5 breakfast will be served from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. The meal includes pancakes, eggs, sausage, milk, cheese, yogurt and Culver’s frozen custard. There will be no indoor seating available. Food will be brought to your vehicle. Everyone driving through is asked to stay in their vehicle. All volunteers will be wearing masks and gloves. All areas will be kept clean and disinfected. Rock County Dairy Breakfast, June 5 The McNally Family has been eagerly awaiting to host the 44th annual Rock County Dairy Breakfast after being cancelled in 2020. Come to eat breakfast and enjoy their family farm. The event will be located at Wilnore Holsteins - McNally Farms, of Jeff and Tonia McNally, at 5928 E. Bingham Road Milton, Wisconsin 53563. Breakfast will be served from 6:30 to 11 a.m. The cost is $7 for adults and $3 for children 10 and under. If handicapped, please call ahead to conrm that the modications will suit you. Not all areas will be accessible. Contact Julie Funk at 608-290-4921.
40th Annual Monroe County Dairy Breakfast, June 5 Enjoy a fun lled morning with friends and family as you have a delicious fresh made breakfast on a dairy farm from 7 to 11 a.m. After your breakfast, enjoy some of the many activities and displays at the MDS Dairy, 9314 Kansas Ave. Sparta, Wisconsin. Menu consists of ham and cheese omelets, pancakes, toast, cookies, doughnut holes, cheese, Culver’s sundaes, milk and coffee. We will also be having educational displays, children’s activities, farm tours, antique tractor displays and more. Some parking will be available across the road from the farm, with more parking available at the Sparta Cinema 6 Movie Theater parking lot at 1010 Maple Ave. across the street from Multi Stack for shuttle bus transporting.
Thorp Dairy Breakfast, June 5 The event will take place at the Brandon and Merideth Maier farm, N13090 Bruce Mound Ave. Thorp, Wisconsin. Attendees are welcome from 7 a.m. to noon. The cost of a breakfast meal is $7 for ages 12 and up, $4 for ages 6 to 11, and free for children 5 and under.
Marathon County June Dairy Breakfast, June 6 The Partnership for Progressive Agriculture is excited to announce that the PPA will host the Marathon County June Dairy Breakfast on Sunday, June 6 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Swiderski Equipment in Mosinee, Wisconsin. There will be a sit-down breakfast option and drive thru option. Participants will also be able to purchase tickets ahead of time if they would like. Pre-sale tickets are required for the drive thru. Meals are $8 for adults, $3 for children (6-12) and children under 5 eat for free. 41st Dodge County Dairy Brunch, June 6 Please join us for our Annual Dodge County Dairy Brunch at the FWR Nell Farms at W7468 County Road S Juneau, Wisconsin 53039. Menu includes scrambled eggs with ham and cheese, pancakes, deep fried cheese curds, milk, juice and assorted cheeses. Tickets at the door only and no carry-outs. $8 for adults, $4 ages 5-11; under 5 are free. Parking will only be at the Dodge County Fairgrounds (no on-site parking) with a shuttle bus to the farm. Brown County Breakfast on the Farm, June 6 Help us kick off June Dairy month with breakfast on the farm. Join us and our hosts, Collins Dairy LLC, for a delicious dairy brunch, drive-thru farm tour and dairy fun for the whole family. Event goes from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. There will be a church service at 7 a.m. in the eld across from Collins Dairy LLC. The dairy is located at 3489 Hill Road Greenleaf, Wisconsin 54126. Adults are $7, children 5-10 are $4. Abbotsford Breakfast on the Farm, June 6 The event will take place at David and Becky Ruesch’s dairy farm located at 5338 Pickard Ave. Abbotsford, Wisconsin. The event will go from 7 a.m. to noon. Granton Breakfast on the Farm, June 6 The event will take place at the Granton Fire Station located at 116 S. Main St. Granton, Wisconsin. The event will go from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Breakfast in the Valley, June 11 We are excited to host another Breakfast in the Valley in 2021 for Eau Claire County, with a little twist on tradition. To provide a safe, yet meaningful, event, slight changes have been made to the event. Breakfast in the Valley boxes will be available for purchase in celebration of June Dairy Month and to continue support of our area agriculture. Boxes will be available only by pre-order on the online ordering form and picked up in drive-thru format the morning of the event at the Eau Claire County Expo Turn to BREAKFASTS | Page 35
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Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • Page 35
ConƟnued from BREAKFASTS | Page 34 Center. Payment is required at time of purchase to secure the order. To order, visit www.eauclairechamber.org or call 715-834-1204. Trempealeau County Dairy Breakfast, June 12 The event will go from 6 to 11 a.m. June 12 at Maliszewski Dairy located at N32153 WI-93 Arcadia, Wisconsin. Dairy Destination – Carloads of Fun, June 12 The event will go from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. June 12 at Sunset Farms located at 6600 Sunset Drive Allenton, Wisconsin 53002. The cost is $20 per carload. For more information, contact Kathy Muth at 262-689-8132. 2021 Lafayette County Dairy Breakfast, June 12 Please join us at Highway Dairy Farms at 16639 WI-23 Darlington, Wisconsin 53530 for the 45th Annual Lafayette County Dairy Breakfast. Serving 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. Adults are $5, children under 10 are $3 and preschool age eat for free. All ticket sales are at the door. Bring your family for a morning of dairy-licious food and fun. The menu includes scrambled eggs with ham and cheese, sausage links, cheese, donuts, pudding, milk, juice and coffee, and strawberry ice cream sundaes. Activities will include cheese carvings by Troy Landwehr from Kerrigan Brothers Winery and music by Swamp Bottom Boys. There will also be door prizes, ADRC booth, a children’s corner, farm tours and awards. Free parking on grounds. Delicious Dairy Duo, June 13 Start by enjoying lunch with a So-Fine Grilled Cheese Meal at So-Fine Bovines (W7560 Ember Ave. Westeld, Wisconsin 53964) and drive through Dairy Drive. Then continue on to enjoy a sundae at Sloweys Farm (N5339 County Road A Westeld, Wisconsin 53964) and check out the farm equipment and cows all while remaining in your vehicle. Food is served from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please RSVP that you will be attending and include the number of meals to marquettecountyfarmbureau@gmail.com. This delicious dairy good day costs only $3 per person. Thank you to our sponsors & both farms, So-Fine Bovines & Slowey Farms. This will replace our traditional dairy breakfast this year. Neillsville Dairy Breakfast on the Farm, June 13 The event will take place at Opelt Dairy located at N3468 River Ave. Neillsville, Wisconsin. The event will go from 7 a.m. to noon. Grant County Dairy Breakfast, June 13 The 2021 Grant County Dairy Breakfast will be held at Vosberg Colonial Acres (Mark and Renee Vosberg Family) at 1888 Bishop Lane Cuba City, Wisconsin. There will be a display from the Hazel Green Fire Department and the Hazel Green Area Rescue Squad plus live music and door prizes. WGLR will also be announcing the 2021 Farm Family of the Year. All ticket sales will be at the door. Ticket prices for those that are 11 and older will be $5. 10 and under will be free.
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Page 36 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021
Women In Dairy Kelly Maly Bryant, Wisconsin Langlade County 440 cows Family: I work on the farm with my sister, Alicia Sippl; my dad, Butch Maly; my uncle, Ron Maly; and my ancé, Francisco Martinez. Tell us about your farm. I am the third generation at Maly Farms Inc. My dad’s family moved here from Madison when my grandpa bought the farm in the early 1970s. We milk 440 cows three times a day in a double-10 parallel parlor and raise our replacement heifers. We farm about 1,200 acres. What is the busiest time of day for you? It depends on the day but probably the morning. I don’t have a daily routine at the farm but rather a weekly routine. Mondays and Wednesdays are my busiest as I care for all the calves. My day starts and ends at 5, though I do get a break when we are not doing crops. The other days of the week are spent catching up on bookwork, cleaning at the farm, moving hutches and calves, and many other odds and ends. I also help with the crops spring through fall. When you get a spare moment, what do you do? Watch Netix, my guilty pleasure. Tell us about your most memorable experience working on the farm. The most recent breakfast on the farm we hosted is something I will never forget. The airplane candy drop in the hay eld was very cool. It wasn’t the largest dairy breakfast in Langlade County, but everything went smoothly the entire day. That is a lot to ask for when there are many activities going on at once with a large volume of people. What have you enjoyed most about dairy farming or your tie to the dairy industry? I love working with our younger animals. I also spend time working in the ofce, and this provides variety to my job. However, it’s hard to beat spending time outside when the weather is great, and my job allows for this. How do you stay connected with others in the industry? Exchange by Dairy Girl Network Facebook Group. It’s neat to see everyone offering their insight on the latest and greatest. I also attend some Professional Dairy Producers trainings and volunteer in the local dairy promotion group.
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Who is someone in the industry who has inspired you? My dad and my sister. I don’t know anyone who works harder than my dad. And my sister for working her magic with the cows. I don’t know what it is, but the cows seem to know when she is gone. If you could give a tour of your farm to a prominent woman in today’s society, who would it be? Nobody comes to mind. What is the best vacation you have ever taken? I spent two weeks in Europe for a business college course. We visited factories and businesses while also experiencing the local culture. What are some words you like to live by? You only get to live one life so make the most of it.
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Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • Page 37
ConƟnued from BREAKFASTS | Page 35 Manitowoc County Breakfast on the Farm, June 13 Join us for Breakfast on the Farm at Vogel Family Farms 8901 Hilltop Road from 8 a.m. to noon. The meal includes the famous ham and cheese omelette, sausage, donut holes, yogurt, variety of cheeses, cinnamon bread and butter, juice, coffee and milk. Don’t forget room for the delicious Cedar Crest sundaes included in the breakfast price. Stay to tour the farm and enjoy all the family activities. Adults are $8, children 5-10 are $5, 4 and under eat for free. Cash only. Watch for parking close to the farm on Hilltop Road, visitors will be shuttled to the farm on tractors and wagons. Rain parking at Holy Family College in Manitowoc.
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Don’t stress over heat stress Page 38 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021
There is nothing like farming on a searchers also note that cows experienccrisp summer morning when the sun has ing heat stress have a decreased ability to just peaked out, the sky is clear, and you kill and ght off infection. can smell the green grass and fresh air as Heat stress also can cause cows to you walk to do chores. But as you walk calve 10 to 14 days before their anticiaround enjoying the 70-degree temps, pated due date. This leads to calves with your cows are already starting to experi- lower birth weights, which can impact ence heat stress. their weight at weaning Calf Chronicles Heat stress can negaand breeding age. Calves tively impact all the aniborn from these heatmals on your farm, which stressed cows weigh on is why it is so important average 17 pounds less. to practice heat abateAdditionally, because the ment (the lessening of heat cow calved in early, her stress). The optimal envicolostrum is not at peak ronmental temperature for antibody level if you used a lactating cow is 40 to a dam vaccine. The suc60 degrees, but heat stress cess of a dam vaccine is also considers the humiddependent on when a cow ity. The Temperature Huis going to calve. Calving midity Index threshold a whole two weeks early By Ellen Cushing for reproduction is 65, will result in lower colosColumnist whereas the threshold for trum antibody levels. milk production is 68. This Calves can tolerate heat means you can start seeing negative im- slightly better than cows but become pacts on reproduction before you start heat stressed at temperatures reaching to see them in the bulk tank. In addition above 80 degrees. Calves must use their to causing poor reproduction and lower own energy to keep cool, which means production in your milking herd, heat they take away energy from their imstress can cause milk fat depression, a mune system and growth. This decreases weakened immune system, mastitis and a calf’s average daily gain and lengthens more. the time it takes them to get bred. You Heat stress can also impact embryo can tell if your calves are heat stressed development. Body temperature greater by watching them for signs of increased that 102.2 degrees can affect the devel- breathing, panting, decreased feed intake oping embryo from day one to day six or increased water intake. and leave it without a heat-tolerant proThere are negative impacts of heat tein. This time frame is when the embryo stress, so how can we help negate these? is most vulnerable to heat stress and inThere are four main cooling methcreased body temperature. According ods: shade, water, air and time. Concento University of Florida research, cows trating on all four of these is the most efthat experience heat stress during the dry fective way to keep animals cool. period produce an average of 14 pounds To start, provide shade over travel less milk in the rst 30 weeks post fresh- lanes or any place a roof is not available. ening compared with cooled cows. Re- Shade intercepts the sun’s radiation,
lowering skin temperatures and reducing heat loads. Then, make sure there are fans and sprinklers in the holding pen and the maternity pens. These are the most important locations to keep cows cool. Also put fans and sprinklers above the pre-fresh cow pen. Since your pre-fresh dry cows are carrying the future of your herd, you should concentrate on this area to optimize your calving outcomes. Other places you can add fans are over the free stalls, bedded packs and processing areas, and add sprinklers over the feed lanes. If you are not able to install both sprinklers and fans, experts recommend sprinklers over the feed lane and fans over the stalls. Water without fans can increase humidity and negate the benet of having sprinklers in the rst place. Sprinklers, ideally, should wet the back of the animal and then stop to allow the water to evaporate and cool the cow prior to another cycle beginning. Even with fans and water soaking, it will take 30 to 45 minutes to start to reduce a cow’s body temperature, so it is important to stay ahead of heat stress as much as possible. To make sure your fans are blowing in the right direction and over the backs of your cows, use a fogger to mist them, allowing you to check for dead space and visualize how the fans are working. In calf barns, use fans to your advantage. As mentioned before, fogging is a great way to tell if the air ow in the calf barn is optimal or if calves are in a stagnate location. Because calves tend to nestle into their bedding, it can be a bit trickier to make sure they get sufcient ventilation. If calves are in hutches and fans are not an option, it is a good idea to vent the hutches by elevating them with a
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cinder block under the back and opening the vents on the side. If you can, move the hutches to a shady area to help with cooling. Changing bedding in warmer months is another potential way to keep calves cool and comfortable. While straw is great during the winter, in the summer months switching to sand or sawdust can help keep calves from overheating. Both cows and calves should have access to plenty of cool drinking water in times of heat stress, and make sure to keep water buckets clean. Bacteria thrive in wet, warm environments and a water bucket on a summer day is an ideal hangout. Use light-colored water buckets (white or yellow) to help you easily see when a bucket is getting dirty. Try to extend the amount of time water is offered to calves, even adding another round or two and regularly checking to see if buckets need to be dumped and relled. Mealtime matters too. When it is warm during the day, encourage calves to eat at night when they are cooler and have more of an appetite. You can also add a supplemental electrolyte feeding to help calves rehydrate more efciently. After some grueling winter days in the Midwest, it can be exciting when the sun is warmer, but it is important to keep in mind that what we think of as perfect days can already be too warm for our cows and calves. Ellen is the First Defense regional sales and marketing manager for Wisconsin and Minnesota. She is’s a problem solver who loves walking calf hutches and diagnosing protocol drift. A great day is a day spent helping dairy and beef farmers keep their baby calves healthy. Cushing can be reached at ecushing@ immucell.com.
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Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • Page 39
sponsored by
Levi Ulrich Ogema, Wisconsin Price County 24 cows
ic it. Every situation is different for every farmer. Don’t be afraid to ask other farmers questions. They might have an idea that would t the situation. Don’t look at the bad from the past. Keep the good in mind and keep pushing forward.
How did you get into farming? I got into farming at a young age. I grew up helping on my grandparents’ dairy goat farm. We raised Jersey steers, and I was always fond of the breed. After they retired milking goats, I got the bug to start milking cows. I started with one heifer in middle school in 2011. From then on, the passion for dairy farming, especially the Jersey cow, took off. I still have that rst cow, now scored EX-94. What are your thoughts and concerns about the dairy industry for the next year? My thoughts and concerns are the same as since I started. Figuring out what does and does not work in order to continue farming. A person has to change and evolve more and more rather than have the mindset of “It’s worked this way for the last 30 years, so we don’t need to change anything.” Agriculture doesn’t seem to be in a small farmers’ best interest these days. It seems to be the get bigger or get out mentality of the industry. What is the latest technology you implemented on your farm and the purpose for it? I haven’t implemented much for technology. I tend to like things that are simpler. I’m not a huge fan of everything being electronic, because it always seems to bring more issues. One piece of technology I could say I have implemented is the REAP program being a Jersey Cattle Association lifetime member. There’s a ton of benets from it, and I can better man-
What has been the best purchase you have ever made on your farm? The best purchase is investing into some superb cow families. I invested into the Godiva family from Woodmohr Jerseys, and I’m excited for the future of where I can take it. Woodmohr First Belmont who max scored at EX-93 is one of my foundation cows going forward. She’s backed by an EX-93 Request, then an EX-95 Jade then EX-95 Duncan Chief being Godiva. age my cattle. What is a management practice you changed in the past year that has beneted you? Instead of having large groups of cows freshen in a few times a year, I spaced the herd out to have a fairly even amount each month come fresh. It doesn’t make things so hectic with all the calves at once and nding space for everyone. What cost-saving steps have you implemented during the low milk price? Working closely with my nutritionist to see where we can cut corners without having a negative effect on the cows’ health, components and production. How do you retain a good working relationship with your employees? I’m the only employee.
Tell us about a skill you possess that makes dairy farming easier for you. Learning to breed my own cows when I was in college. Not only does it save me a ton of money, I’m able to use whatever bull I want from around the world if I choose to. I’m able to breed a cow any time of the day or night however many times I might need to. What do you enjoy most about dairy farming? It’s so rewarding to have a cow, decide on a mating, have that baby heifer born and then watch her grow up and develop then go on to score good. My favorite thing is to freshen in heifers. There’s a lot of built up anticipation over the two-year wait, so it’s always fun when they’re fresh and then watching their udder develop. What advice would you give other dairy farmers? Don’t dwell on what the neighbors are doing and try to mim-
What has been your biggest accomplishment while dairy farming? My biggest accomplishment is being in the game. There were times when I questioned why, but I’ve stuck with it and wouldn’t change it for the world. What are your plans for your dairy in the next year and ve years? In the next year, I’m hoping to be in a bigger facility to double the herd size. Over the next ve years, I hope to be farming and showcase the genetics I’ve been building up on a bigger stage, such as World Dairy Expo. How do you or your family like to spend time when you are not doing chores? I enjoy time with friends and family going to dairy shows, kayaking and sitting by a re. The less hustle and bustle the better. I’m perfectly ne with peace and quiet without a crowd of people.
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Page 40 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 22, 2021
In Memory Gerard Wedig
February 14, 1956 - May 10, 2021 Gerard E. Wedig, 65, of Belmont, Wisconsin, passed away suddenly from a heart attack on Monday, May 10, 2021. Mass of Christian Burial was Saturday, May 15, 2021 at St. Philomena Catholic Church, Belmont with Father Michael Tarigopula ofÀciating. Burial was at Resurrection Cemetery, Belmont. Memorials may be made to the Gerard Wedig Memorial Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.melbyfh.com. Gerard was born on February 14, 1956, in Cuba City, Wisconsin, the son of Wallace and Sylvia (Kieler) Wedig. He was united in marriage to Beverly Kowalski on June 10, 1978. He graduated from Belmont High School in 1974 and Southwest Tech, with an ag mechanic degree, in 1976. He worked as a mechanic until 1979, as a farmer until 1999, and spent the last 21 years as a mechanic for Steinhart’s Farm Service. In his free time he enjoyed playing cards, Àshing, reading westerns,
working on small engines, but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his grand kids. Gerard is survived by his wife, Bev, and their four children, Brenda (Matthew) Peterson, Trisha Wedig, John (Shirley Clifford) Wedig, Kayla (James) Wheeler; and eight grandchildren, Kenzingtyn, Emersyn, Breckyn & Holden Peterson, Greyden Wedig & Dawsyn Graser, and Hayden & Ainsley Wheeler. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Pat (Mary) Wedig, Mary Therese (Ron) Muller, Paul (Jane) Wedig, Jane (Jim) Pickel, Sue (Dan) Baert; sisters-in-law, Karen (Steve) Loeschen, Donna (Al) Junk, Joyce (Mark) Anderson; brother-in-law Ron (Cheryl) Kowalski; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Victor and Doris Kowalski; brother, John Wedig; brother-in-law, Jack Knebel; niece, Carla Knebel; and nephew, Daniel Baert.
Steinhart’s Farm Service, Inc. was honored to have Gerard employed with us for the past 21 years. He will be deeply missed by everyone here.
Our condolences to the Wedig family.
4116 Hwy. 80 S., Platteville, WI
Office: (608) 348-9401 or Toll Free: 1(888) BUY-Patz www.steinhartsfarmservice.com